Laocoön in Bronze by Lost-Wax Casting on Marble Base – Neapolitan School

Laocoön in Bronze by Lost-Wax Casting on Marble Base – Neapolitan School The Laocoon is one of the most dramatic and powerful scenes of classical art: the Trojan priest and his sons entwined by serpents, in a composition full of tension, movement, and expressive force. This lost-wax bronze sculpture captures all the intensity of the famous ancient sculptural group, transforming it into a work of great stage presence. The twisting bodies, suffering faces, serpent coils, and anatomical details are rendered with great depth, creating a strong contrast between light, shadow, and material. The subject and craftsmanship belong to the great tradition of the Neapolitan School of archaeological bronzes, made famous by the Chiurazzi Foundry between the 19th and 20th centuries. The work is not presented as a certified Chiurazzi production, but as a sculpture belonging to that Neapolitan artisanal culture linked to classical, Pompeian, and Herculaneum reproductions. The dark burnished patina of the bronze gives the work an elegant and authoritative character, while the 4 cm high natural marble base enhances its solidity and aesthetic value. The contrast between the burnished bronze and the marble veins makes the sculpture particularly suitable for prestigious environments: professional offices, private libraries, lounges, halls, fine consoles, or art collections. With its 12 kg weight, this is not a simple decoration, but a solid, important object designed for those who wish to include in their home or representative space a symbol of classical culture, tragic strength, and uncompromising beauty. Main features Subject: Laocoon and his sons School: Neapolitan School Artistic tradition: Neapolitan archaeological bronzes, Chiurazzi tradition Material: bronze Technique: lost-wax casting Finish: dark burnished patina Base: natural veined marble Overall height: 38 cm Width: 31 cm Depth: 16 cm Base height: 4 cm Weight: 12 kg Why choose it A work with strong visual impact A rich, dramatic, and immediately recognizable composition, capable of dominating the space where it is placed. Lost-wax bronze A traditional technique appreciated for the detail rendering, surface depth, and material quality of the work. Neapolitan School The sculpture belongs to the Neapolitan tradition of archaeological bronzes, made famous by the Chiurazzi Foundry between the 19th and 20th centuries. Natural marble base Elegant, solid, and perfectly consistent with the value of the work. Significant weight The 12 kg confirms the sculpture’s solidity, stability, and physical presence. Ideal for prestigious environments Perfect for a study, living room, library, hall, executive office, or private collection. The meaning of Laocoön Laocoön, a Trojan priest, tried to warn the Trojans about the horse left by the Greeks outside the city walls. According to the myth, he was punished along with his sons by the attack of two sea serpents. The scene has become one of the most intense symbols of ancient art: it represents pain, resistance, fate, and man’s struggle against a force greater than himself. It is precisely this emotional tension that makes Laocoön such a powerful subject, still capable today of conveying strength, drama, and intensity. Neapolitan School and Chiurazzi tradition Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Naples became one of the most important centers for reproducing classical bronze sculptures, also thanks to the fame of the Chiurazzi Foundry, renowned for archaeological bronzes inspired by the artifacts of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Naples Archaeological Museum. This sculpture fits into that tradition: it is not offered as a certified Chiurazzi production, but as a work of the Neapolitan School, linked to that cultured, archaeological, and artisanal taste that made Neapolitan classical reproductions famous worldwide. Where to place it To showcase it at its best, we recommend placing it on a console table, a significant piece of furniture, a marble surface, a large bookshelf, or a dedicated pedestal. The sculpture has a strong presence and deserves a visible space, with natural or side lighting that can highlight the bronze reflections and the veins of the marble base. Care and maintenance Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh detergents, abrasive products, solvents, or non-specific polishes, as they could alter the bronze patina or the marble surface. Slight variations in the patina and the base's veins are natural characteristics of the materials and make each piece unique. FAQ Is the sculpture made of real bronze? Yes, the sculpture is made of bronze using the lost-wax casting technique and has a dark patinated finish. What does lost-wax casting mean? Lost-wax casting is a traditional technique used to create bronze sculptures rich in detail. It is especially valued because it allows for deep surfaces, defined volumes, and a high level of artistic quality. Is it an original Chiurazzi sculpture? It is not offered as a certified Chiurazzi production. The correct description is Neapolitan School, linked to the great tradition of archaeological bronzes made famous by the Chiurazzi Foundry. What are the sculpture's dimensions? The sculpture measures 31 cm wide, 16 cm deep, and 38 cm in total height. How much does it weigh? The weight is about 12 kg, an important detail that confirms the solidity and material presence of the work. Is the base included? Yes, the sculpture rests on a 4 cm high natural marble base, elegant and stable, with veins that enhance the contrast with the bronze. Where can I display it? It is ideal for a study, library, living room, hall, executive office, a prominent console, or a private collection. Is it suitable as an important gift? Yes, it is a gift with great symbolic and cultural value, suitable for collectors, classical art enthusiasts, professionals, scholars, or people who appreciate significant decorative objects. Is each piece identical? Each piece may show slight differences in the bronze patina and marble veins. These are not defects but natural characteristics of the craftsmanship and materials. How do you clean it? It is recommended to use only a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives, or harsh polishes.