It was once purchased by a Pope, seized by a King, written about by a certain ancient Roman Elder, highly influenced a famous Renaissance artist and is now part of the historical 'anniversary' of a well known institution. What is it, who are the people involved and which famous equine is featured in all this?

queproblema

This sounds uncannily like a recent question about Durer's rhinoceros! Pliny the Elder did mention the rhinoceros in his "Naturalis Historia," and there is a certain institution, not exactly "well-known," named "Rhinoceros" celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year. I don't know about an equine featured in any of this, though, and happen to think the foregoing is an odd coincidence and not the answers you're looking for. For those who missed it the first time around, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%BCrer's_Rhinoceros Jul 27 07, 11:56 PM

lanfranco

It may sound like the rhinoceros, but it's the Laocoon -- described by Pliny the Elder, purchased by Julius II, seized by Napoleon (Boney again), and quite an influence on Michelangelo, among others. A couple of years ago, I mentioned on this site that a certain art historian actually thinks Michelangelo sculpted it. Laocoon was, of course, the man who tried to warn against the Trojan Horse: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laoco%C3%B6n_and_his_Sons Jul 28 07, 7:42 AM

peasypod

I didn't think I could fool you Frankie, and yes having just been in the Vatican Museums the other day it did spur the urge. A Golden Can of Coke for you. Did I mention I paid (wait for it) 7 Euro for a warm Coke last Wednesday outside the Colosseum? Yes, the heat must have fried my brain. Jul 28 07, 7:59 AM

lanfranco

I think the "institution" would be the Henry Moore Institute: http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk/matrix_engine/content.php?page_id=4321 Jul 28 07, 8:00 AM

lanfranco

Whoops! Crossing posts. 7 euros? Oh, well, July is a great time of year to gouge the turisti. Jul 28 07, 8:03 AM