Laocoons Influence on Renaissance Artists - 2087 Words

The Renaissance was indeed a proud moment in history. It was a time of the revitalization of antiquity, breakthrough scientific discoveries, and profound, inspirational artwork. The desire and urge to establish stronger connections with the classical past brought about the search and discovery of many ancient manuscripts and artworks. One of the most celebrated discoveries occurred during the height of the Renaissance: The Laocoon. Perhaps one of the world’s most famous Hellenistic sculptures, it was originally located in the palace of Titus. It was then lost for over a thousand years before its rediscovery in 1506. Pope Julius II immediately acquired it, and displayed it in the Vatican Museums. The renowned discovery of one of the few†¦show more content†¦The Trojans accepted the gift, and at night, the Greeks slipped out of the horse and opened the city, which led to the fall of Troy. Laocoon was a high priest of Troy who warned against accepting the wooden horse. F rustrated that the Trojans were ignoring his warnings, Laocoon threw a spear at the giant wooden horse, and spurned the rage of Poseidon (who, along with the other Gods favored the Greeks) to send giant sea serpents to strangle him. One of the major significances of the Laocoon Group was the timing and effect of its celebrated discovery. Prior to its discovery, the only known records of its existence were from ancient manuscripts and records by Pliny the Elder. Buried underground for over a millennium, the Laocoon Group emerged once again after its discovery near the baths of Titus in 1506. This was during the height of the Renaissance, an era of the revitalization of the classics. Due to the strong desire to possess the great works of antiquity, its discovery was an immediate success. Discovering the Laocoon was like discovering the Titantic; an ancient treasure finally revealed after endless years of searching. Pliny the Elder (23-79) was an ancient author and philosopher who lived from the reign of Nero to that of Vespasian. His encyclopedia, Natural History, was a collection of much of the known knowledge of his time. In it, he describes the Laocoon as â€Å"a work