In 1743 he became headmaster of a school at Seehausen. This was the most frustrating phase of his life. In spite of a steady paycheck and job security, he found the work of teaching very disappointing.

 Wincklemann was drawn to Italy. Attracted by the classical architecture and sculpture, as well as the general acceptance of homosexuality. It was only in this accommodating atmosphere that he felt he could be himself and enjoy a satisfying love life.  According to art historian, Walter Pater "That his affinity with Hellenism was not merely intellectual, that the subtler threads of temperament were inwoven in it, is proved by his romantic, fervent friendships with young men. He has known, he says, many young men more beautiful than Guido’s archangel. These friendships, bringing him into contact with the pride of human form, and staining the thoughts with its bloom, perfected his reconciliation to the spirit of Greek sculpture. A letter on taste, addressed from Rome to a young nobleman, Friedrich von Berg, is the record of such a friendship."

Winckelmann lived a full and interesting life in Italy. He enjoyed wickedly passionate, romantic liaisons with attractive Italian young men as well as friendships with artists, archaeologist and scholars. He lived a simple life in a small three room apartment. His meals consisted of cheese, wine, fruit and bread. In 1763, Winckelmann was hired as the Superintendent of Roman Antiquities. Within a few years was awarded the position of Librarian of the Vatican.

Upon returning from Vienna in the year 1768, the brilliant archeologist was killed an Italian  rogue. Art historian, Walter Pater describes what happened, "He left Vienna, intending to hasten back to Rome, and at Trieste a delay of a few days occurred. With characteristic openness, Winckelmann had confided his plans to a fellow-traveller, a man named Arcangeli, and had shown him the gold medals received at Vienna. Arcangeli’s avarice was aroused. One morning he entered Winckelmann’s room, under pretence of taking leave. Winckelmann was then writing “memoranda for the future editor of the History of Art,” still seeking the perfection of his great work. Arcangeli begged to see the medals once more. As Winckelmann stooped down to take them from the chest, a cord was thrown round his neck. Some time afterwards, a child with whose companionship Winckelmann had beguiled his delay, knocked at the door, and receiving no answer, gave the alarm. Winckelmann was found dangerously wounded, and died a few hours later, after receiving the last sacraments. "

The murderous rascal, Arcangeli, was later take into custody while playing cards. He was interrogated, tortured, both of his ears cut off and his teeth pulled out. The scoundrel was put to death by being broken on the wheel in front of a crowd of cheering peasants, artists and archeologists.

Color contributes to beauty, but it is not beauty. Color should have a minor part in the consideration of beauty, because it is not color but the structure that constitutes its essence. -  Johann Joachim Winckelmann

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