Which work is considered the first art history book, published by Johann Winckelmann?

The work recognized as the first art history book is "The History of Ancient Art," authored by Johann Winckelmann and published in 1764. In this groundbreaking text, Winckelmann established a framework for the study of art that emphasized its historical and cultural contexts. He analyzed the art of ancient Greece and Rome, exploring the aesthetic principles that governed their creations. This text marked a significant shift in the way art was perceived, as it moved away from mere description and cataloging of pieces to an analysis that placed greater importance on the evolution of artistic styles over time, the influences of historical circumstances, and the relationship between art and culture.

In contrast to other options listed, such as "The Art of the Renaissance," "Critique of Judgment," and "Philosophy of Art," which either focus on specific periods or philosophical inquiries regarding art, Winckelmann's publication is foundational in the discipline of art history itself. It paved the way for future scholars to analyze art systematically, making it a pivotal work in understanding the trajectory of art history as a field of academic study.