Laocoon #7

Widespread interest in the story of Laocoon, the mythical priest of Troy, arose after an ancient monumental sculpture depicting him and his two sons... more

by El Greco

Title

Laocoon #7

Artist

El Greco

Medium

Painting - Oil On Canvas

Description

Widespread interest in the story of Laocoon, the mythical priest of Troy, arose after an ancient monumental sculpture depicting him and his two sons was discovered in Rome in 1506. Suspecting deceit, Laocoön warned his countrymen not to accept the wooden horse left by the Greeks outside Troy and threw his spear at it to prove it was hollow. Thus, the priest incurred the wrath of the gods for defiling an object dedicated to the goddess Athena. El Greco depicted snakes sent by angry gods, involving Laocoön and one son in a mortal struggle, while the second son, already dead, lies next to his father. The identity of the unfinished figures on the right continues to be debated; perhaps they represent the gods themselves, watching their vengeance.

Using all available means - a meandering line, gaudy color, and illogically conceived space - the artist projected an overwhelming sense of doom. The figures appear incorporeal; sinuous outlines and unnatural flesh tones make them ghostly. The striking setting pushes this visionary work of El Greco to its apocalyptic extreme.

Does El Greco intend to connect this mythical theme of conflict and divine retribution with the Inquisition that was rampant in Toledo at the time? Be that as it may, the history of Laocoön is the only known classical theme that he wrote.

Uploaded

August 8th, 2022