Winckelmann

Johann Joachim Winckelmann was an 18th-century German art historian and archaeologist, often considered the father of modern archaeology and art history. He emphasized the importance of studying classical Greek and Roman art for their beauty and harmony, advocating that they embody ideal proportions and serenity. Winckelmann’s work shifted focus from just identifying artworks to understanding the cultural and aesthetic principles behind them. His ideas greatly influenced the Neoclassical movement in art, inspiring artists and scholars to value classical ideals of order, clarity, and beauty, shaping modern appreciation of ancient art and history.