Laocoon. Laocoon's torso seen from below from the right. 1628 - 1630

Here is a drawing in red chalk by Willem Panneels, who was active in the first half of the 17th century. It presents Laocoon's torso, seen from below and to the right. The Laocoon sculpture, rediscovered in 1506, became a touchstone for artists exploring classical ideals and the representation of intense emotion. Panneels, working within the artistic and cultural milieu of the Baroque era, would have been deeply influenced by its themes. This work reflects the dynamics of power and vulnerability and asks us to consider how we respond to the suffering of others. The choice to focus solely on the torso amplifies the sense of physical struggle and emotional turmoil. Rather than presenting a traditional representation, Panneels' choice of viewpoint forces us to look up at the figure, magnifying Laocoon's power but also his vulnerability, caught in a moment of intense struggle. What does it mean to witness such a display of emotion, and how does it shape our understanding of human suffering?