Untitled (Statue of the Laocoon) c. 1857

Robert MacPherson's "Untitled (Statue of the Laocoon)" from c. 1857 is a striking example of 19th-century photographic art. The photograph captures the iconic Hellenistic sculpture of Laocoön and his sons struggling with serpents, highlighting the dramatic composition and the intricate details of the marble work. This sallow-toned photograph, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a testament to the power of photography to capture and preserve artistic masterpieces for posterity. The image's focus on the sculpture's form, and the photographic medium's ability to showcase detail, contributed to its enduring influence on the art world.