Laocoon 1812

Francesco Hayez's *Laocoon* (1812) depicts the Trojan priest Laocoon and his two sons being attacked by serpents, a scene from Virgil's *Aeneid*. The painting, which hangs in Milan's Palazzo Brera, captures the intense struggle of the figures as they grapple with the venomous creatures. The drama and pathos of the event are heightened by the contrast between the men's heroic, nude forms and the writhing serpents, reflecting the Neoclassical style that was popular in Italy at the time. Hayez's masterful use of light and shadow further enhances the dramatic effect, creating a powerful and moving image.