Letter and Report on the Discoveries at Herculaneum

This is a new translation of Wincklemann's controversial writings on the early study of Herculaneum & Pompeii. 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. He further discusses these topics in his equally controversial Report of 1764. It includes the introduction that describes the context in which these texts were written, identifies the politicians, academics, and collectors, and elucidates on a range of topics – from local customs to the contents of ancient papyri. The illustrations, particularly those from the Bourbon publication, Le Antichita di Ercolano (1757-92) – illuminate how these monuments influenced contemporary perception of the ancient world.