Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Laocoon 1530 - 1580

Nicolas Beatrizet’s “Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Laocoon” is a 16th-century engraving that depicts the famous Hellenistic sculpture, the Laocoön group. Created in the early 1500s, this artwork showcases the intricate details of the sculpture, capturing its powerful drama and anatomical precision. The engraving highlights the figures’ contorted poses as they struggle against the deadly grip of serpents, creating a sense of urgency and suffering. Beatrizet, a renowned engraver of the Renaissance, skillfully rendered the complex forms and textures, ensuring this print would be a coveted object of study and appreciation for generations of art lovers.