The Laocoon Group

An engraving representing the Laocoon Group, now in the Vatican Museum (inv. no. 1059). This print is signed by the printmaker (acccording to Bartsch this is the only work by Marco da Ravenna in which the artist signed his full name) and lettered with the title and the location of the statue. Trimmed within the platemark.

The statue of the Laocoon was dug up in 1506 on the Esquiline Hill and identified with the masterpiece described by Pliny the Elder in his 'Natural History' (XXXVI, 37) as a work by Agesander, Athenodoros and Polydorus. Pope Julius II had it displayed in a niche in the Belvedere courtyard in the Vatican. The statue, one of the most famous and influencial during the Renaissance, was missing several parts when it was found. Its dating has been much debated, but it is largely accepted that it was probably created between 40 and 30 BC.