In which century did Johann Winckelmann publish his influential book on art?

Johann Winckelmann published his influential work, "History of Ancient Art," in the 18th century, specifically in 1764. This publication is considered a significant milestone in the history of art criticism and history, as it laid the foundation for the study of classical art and established criteria for appreciating beauty in art. Winckelmann's emphasis on the importance of context in understanding art from antiquity spurred widespread interest in the classical past and had a profound impact on subsequent art movements, particularly Neoclassicism. His work helped shift the focus of art criticism from purely subjective evaluations to more rigorous analytical frameworks, making this century critical in the development of art historical methodology.