Letter and Report on the discoveries at Herculaneum / Johann Joachim Winckelmann ; introduction, translation and commentary by Carol C. Mattusch

Author:: Winckelmann, Johann Joachim, 1717-1768
Uniform Title:: Sendschreiben von den Herculanischen Entdeckungen an den hochgebohrnen Herrn, Herrn Heinrich von Brühl. English
Published:: Los Angeles : J. Paul Getty Museum, [2011]
Copyright Date:: ©2011
Physical Description:: ix, 230 pages : illustrations, map ; 26 cm
Additional Creators:: Winckelmann, Johann Joachim, 1717-1768 and Mattusch, Carol C.

Availability

Finding items...

Language Note:

Translated from the German.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1762 Letter on the Herculanean Discoveries -- Introduction -- I.The Region and the Sites -- II.The Destruction -- III.The Rediscovery -- VI.1.The Finds -- VI.1.Objects -- VI.1.A.Architecture -- VI.1.B.Paintings -- VI.1.C.Statues, Busts, and Statuettes -- VI.1.D.Inscriptions -- VI.1.E.Implements: Necessities -- VI.1.F.Implements: Luxury Items -- VI.1.G.Entertainment, Sport, and Adornment -- VI.1.H.Vessels -- VI.2.Texts -- VI.2.A.Discovery -- VI.2.B.Ancient Paper and Books -- VI.2.C.The Writing -- VI.2.D.Ink and Pens -- VI.2.E.Wax Tablets -- VI.2.F.Unrolling the Texts -- V.The Museum at Portici -- Notes to Letter -- 1764 Report of the Latest Discoveries at Herculaneum -- Introduction -- I.Newly Discovered Buildings -- II.Statues, Portraits, and Busts -- III.Implements -- III.1.Sacred Objects -- III.2.Three Types of Objects for Daily Use -- III.2.A.Necessities -- III.2.B.Games and Adornments -- III.2.C.Pens, Inks, and Paper -- IV.The Texts from Herculaneum -- Notes to Report -- Bibliography -- Classical References -- Bibliographic Abbreviations -- Bibliography.

Summary:

"This new translation brings to light the early days of scientific archaeology and the unearthing and study of Herculaneum and Pompeii as observed by the erudite and acerbic art historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717-1768). His Letter, published in German in 1762, displays his extensive knowledge of geology, ancient literature, and art while offering a scathing critique of the Spanish Bourbon excavations around the Bay of Naples and of the officials involved. He further discusses these topics in his equally controversial Report of 1764. The introduction describes the context in which these texts were written, identifies various politicians, academics, and collectors, and elucidates topics of particular interest to Winckelmann, from artifacts to local customs to the contents of ancient papyri. The illustrations, particularly those from the Bourbon publication--Le Antichità di Ercolano (1757-92)--illuminate how these monuments influenced contemporary perception of the ancient world."--

Subject(s):

ISBN:

9781606060896 (pbk.)
1606060899 (pbk.)
9781606060513 (hbk.)
1606060511 (hbk.)

Bibliography Note:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

View MARC record | catkey: 7403287