Many stories and texts of old refer to Pliny the Elder’s intricate, marble sculpture depicting Laocoon, a Trojan priest, and his sons being attacked and killed by sea serpents sent by Poseidon, god of the sea. Laocoon was being punished by Poseidon for having intercourse with his wife on sacred ground. Laocoon was also responsible for warning the Trojans not to trust the sly Greeks who were renowned for their ability to deceive their enemies. The Greeks had created an enormous horse, which later became known as the Trojan horse. It held Greek soldiers who later ran out of the horse and surprised the Trojan army. The Greeks went on to win the war.
In addition, this sculpture has inspired many famous artists. Michelangelo was actually one of the first men called to help excavate the site when the statue was accidently discovered by a farmer on January 14, 1506. He became inspired by Pliny’s ability to portray the pain that the three men were experiencing.
On the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo created many figures which resembled the contorted bodies of Laocoon and his sons. By placing them in “serpentinata” positions he was able to imitate Pliny’s famous work of art which once stood in the Emperor Titus’s palace. The sculpture and Chapel can both be found in the Vatican museums located in Rome. I highly suggest checking them out and make sure you have at least half a day to do so!
Information taken from: http://www.idcrome.org/laocoon.htm
Picture taken from: http://www.giotto.org/sb/ignudo.jpg
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