Lessing's Laokoon (1878)

Exploring the distinct boundaries of painting and poetry, Lessing's work delves into the unique strengths and weaknesses of each art form, arguing against their comparison by the same standards. Using the myth of Laokoon as a metaphor, he illustrates how these artistic disciplines serve different purposes. Recognized as a pivotal text in aesthetics, this treatise has significantly influenced modern art and literary criticism. Written in an accessible style, it remains a cornerstone of German Enlightenment philosophy, now available in a facsimile reprint.