Laocoon And Sons

This sculpture of Laocoon and his sons stood in the palace of Ancient Greek Emperor Titus and was rediscovered in the 1500's. By March of 1506, Pope Julius II procured it for his private collection.

What is noteworthy about this sculpture is that is a prime example of Greek Hellenistic art and directly influenced the art of such artists as Michelangelo and Raphael. It was found in fragments and when Michelangelo was asked to reconstruct it, he declined saying his talents were less than those of it original creator. A contest was held to find an artist for the restoration and it was finally brought to it's present state by Venetian architect Jacopo Sansovino.

The ancient Laocoon exerted a potent aesthetic power on the artists of the High Renaissance. The rediscovery of the sculpture - which depicts a Trojan priest punished by the gods for warning his fellow countrymen about the Greek ruse of the Trojan horse - accelerated the rediscovery of the classical aesthetic. The Laocoon became a standard against which Renaissance art was judged, thereby establishing a canon of beauty that influenced the making of art for the next 400 years.

Nike (Victory)

The winged figure of Victory was originally located in a hillside niche high above the Sanctuary at Samothrace. The forward moment of Nike's body is balanced by the powerful back thrust of her wings.

The large open movement, strong contrasts of light and dark because of it deeply sculpted details makes this piece a prime example of Greek Hellenistic Art. The Hellenistic period is dated at around 300 BCE and is characterized by it's ability to convey movement and story as well as cause emotional reaction to those who view it's works. Up until this era, most artwork appeared stiff and abstract or idealized.