Head of the Laocoon (from a cast)

This graphite drawing by Izabel M. Coles reproduces a classical sculpture cast, likely a study exercise from life drawing instruction. The work demonstrates careful attention to anatomical form and tonal modeling, capturing the expressive features and musculature of the ancient marble original. Such copying of canonical works served as foundational training for academic artists of the period, building technical proficiency before tackling original compositions. The Laocoon—depicting the Trojan priest and his sons in their mythological struggle—remained a touchstone of Western artistic tradition through the nineteenth century.