Originally published in 1766, the Laocoön has been called the first extended attempt in modern times to define the distinctive spheres of art and poetry.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (22 January 1729 – 15 February 1781) was a German writer, philosopher, publicist, and art critic, was one of the most outstanding representatives of the Enlightenment era. With his plays and his theoretical writings he substantially influenced the development of German literature.