Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Laocoon 1530 - 1580

"Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Laocoon" is an engraving by Marco Dente, a prominent Italian artist of the 16th century. Completed between 1530-1580, the print depicts the famous Hellenistic sculpture of Laocoön and his sons struggling with serpents. Dente's engraving showcases the dramatic pose and anatomical detail of the original sculpture, capturing the intensity of the scene. This print, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies the revival of classical art during the Renaissance, particularly the fascination with ancient Roman sculpture. It is a testament to Dente's skill in translating three-dimensional form into the two-dimensional medium of printmaking.