Laokoon and How the Ancients Represented Death [Paperback]

Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim

ISBN 10: 1417908238 / ISBN 13: 9781417908233

Published by Kessinger Publishing, LLC, 2005

About this Item

bn2-a-39*.

Seller Inventory # 240222002

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Laokoon and How the Ancients Represented Death [Paperback]
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1417908238
• ISBN 13: 9781417908233
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 13 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

Laokoon and How the Ancients Represented Death is a book by the German writer and philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. The book is a critical analysis of the ancient Greek sculpture known as Laoco������n and His Sons, which depicts the Trojan priest Laoco������n and his two sons being attacked by sea serpents. Lessing uses this sculpture as a starting point to explore the ancient Greeks' representation of death in art and literature.Lessing argues that the ancient Greeks had a unique understanding of death, which was reflected in their art and literature. He suggests that the Greeks saw death not as an end, but as a transition to a new form of existence. This is reflected in their depictions of death, which often show the deceased in a peaceful or serene state.Lessing also explores the concept of beauty in ancient Greek art, arguing that it was not simply a matter of aesthetic appeal, but was closely tied to moral and ethical values. He suggests that the beauty of the Laoco������n sculpture lies not only in its artistic merit, but in its ability to convey moral and ethical lessons.Overall, Laokoon and How the Ancients Represented Death is a thought-provoking exploration of the ancient Greeks' understanding of death and its representation in art and literature. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art, philosophy, or ancient Greek culture.1914. This volume contains two works by the critical genius Lessing. His writing is peerless in its comprehensiveness, its keenness and depth; but this was particularly true of the drama. Laokoon deals with the limits of poetry and painting and it may be said that the great era of German literature commenced with these works. Laokoon, in its style, in its subtlety and clearness, in its breadth of intellectual vision, was a treatise that the likes of which had never been seen before.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.