![Laocoön group, plaster cast from the early 19th century based on the ancient marble original in the Vatican.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/laokoon-titelbild-300x225.jpg)
The exhausted man
The ancient sculpture of Laocoön and his sons is a turning point in the artistic representation of man – but the piece is also an object of projection for constantly changing ideals of masculinity.
![Renaissance version with outstretched arm.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/renaissance-version-mit-ausgestrecktem-arm-300x169.jpg)
![Version after discovery of the arm in 1903.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/version-nach-entdeckung-des-armes-1903-300x169.jpg)
![Proposal for a digital reconstruction of the Laocoon group.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/laokoongruppe-digitalerekonstruktion-s_muth-265x300.jpg)
The exhausted man
For centuries, ideals of masculinity have swung back and forth between invulnerable strength, and weaknesses laid bare. The fourth exhibition by the two guest curators Stefan Zweifel and Juri Steiner at the National Museum takes a stroll through the European cultural history of mankind. Its traces can be found through the ages, in art, history, literature and cinema.