Physical Qualities
Woodcut, Sheet: 267 × 402 mm. (10 1/2 × 15 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.8606
This print depicts the Laocoön, an ancient work in marble that portrays an episode from the Trojan War (see photo). Laocoön had warned his fellow Trojans of Greek treachery, and for this action the gods sent sea-serpents to attack him and his sons. The marble
Laocoön was discovered in Rome in 1506, and immediately became one of the most famous sculptures in Europe. Reproductive prints helped spread its fame.
Niccolò Boldrini drew on the expressive power of the woodcut to create a very personal interpretation of the subject. His startling use of monkeys in place of human figures may be a play on the popular notion of “art as the ape of nature.”
Malcolm Daniel, The Baltimore Museum of Art traveling exhibition, "Mythprints," 1981-82, circulated to Essex Community College; The Museum in the Mall, Columbia; Notre Dame Preparatory School, Towson; St. John's College, Annapolis; Salisbury State College; Washington College, Chestertown; Western Maryland College, Westminster.
Elizabeth Rodini et al., BMA, "Printed Sculpture/Sculpted Prints," 14 November 2007 - 23 March 2008, no. 10, p. 8, ill. p. 3.
Elizabeth Rodini et al., BMA, "Printed Sculpture/Sculpted Prints," 14 November 2007 - 23 March 2008, no. 10, p. 8, ill. p. 3.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Mythprints," exhibition brochure, 1981-82, cat. 20.
Inscribed: by later hand (Mariette?), lower center: "La gravure de cette piece satyri que du Titien a ete attribue au Titien liu meme / ( t. 3. p. 151. no. 6.) / Nicolas Boldrini. ne a Vienne vers 1510"
Markings: CM: Claghorn on mount; P.J. Mariette (Lugt 1852)
