Art and Architecture of Viceregal Latin America, 1521-1821 (Diálogos Series)

I bought a used copy, and generally the book was in good condition, e.g., the pages were clean and flat. But there were a LOT of penciled notes in the margins. Were I so inclined, I could erase these, so it is not a huge distraction. It was just unexpected.It was also unexpected to see so much really outstanding research dumped on my lap. ohmygoodness. It is clear that the writer knows the territory well, and presents it in an engaging fashion with loads of images. The detail and depth of knowledge presented could only have come from a university professor who has taught this subject many times.The information is well-organized, and well-presented. If I have a complaint at all, it is that none of the images are in color. For the most part, grey scale images work well, but if the volume is ever re-printed, the editors might think about some color images.This is not casual reading. It is for the serious student/researcher, and for that purpose it serves exceptionally well.

I'm teaching Renaissance through Rococo art this semester and I wanted to have a section on Latin American Viceregal art. I wasn't sure this book would be the key to organizing my lectures--I really wasn't sure who the intended audience was. Well, it turns out the intended audience is either a professor putting together a lecture on this subject for the first time (me) or an undergrad working at a relatively high level (we're talking someone with art history experience). It is a survey that pins developments in art and architecture to developments in the colonization of the Spanish New World, so it was very easy to follow and really pretty fascinating. I whipped through the book in two days, taking extensive notes. Big thumbs up from me.

My book arrived in a quick, timely manner and in great condition. I was completely pleased with my transaction.

Great introduction to the field.

This learned tour through the three centuries of Latin American art and architecture, reflecting the teaching style of the author who teaches art history at a Texas university, "include[s] fewer objects and monuments than found in the typical broad survey" so that the fewer chosen can be given greater discussion to the reader's benefit. Donahue-Wallace wanted to avoid the common "laundry list" leaving readers to memorize innumerable titles, dates, and artists without really learning much about the art. Still mainly a survey covering centuries of a variety of art, with Donahue-Wallace putting the works their social context, it easily surpasses the usual introductory survey, for example, in implanting knowledge of the subject.The three centuries from 1521 to 1821 were the long period of Spanish colonial domination of practically all of Latin America (notably excluding Brazil not included in this work). The overarching social context was Spanish colonial rule. As the author's chronological tour makes clear, there was a clearly noticeable evolution of art and architecture in this period even though it all evidences the impress of the European masters and their culture.The viceregal art began with the earliest Spanish Catholic missions. What limited art there was was primitive. The missions were simple as well, with little embellishment beyond archways, folk art religious figures, and murals. With the growth of cities and intermixing of populations as Spanish rule took root throughout Latin America. art and architecture became correspondingly more complex and sophisticated. Churches and municipal buildings were built on the grand scale. Especially impressive were the altarscreens, "also known as an altarpiece; and ornamental construction behind the altar, usually bearing painted or sculpted images of religious themes" (from the Glossary).Paintings especially rivaled those of France and England of the period for their level of accomplishment. Spaniards, Native Americans, and mixed race artists were all involved in art that was a testament to the Spanish colonial presence and affirmation of its control and administration. Aristocrats from Spain and businessmen who grew wealthy from the imposed Spanish economic system for exploiting the riches of the colonies used architecture and art to signify their high status. With her approach seeing the works within their social context, Donahue-Wallace regularly discusses the origins, subjects, and symbolisms of the art works.The outstanding survey of Spanish colonial art in all parts of Latin America is heavily illustrated with 104 black-and-white illustrations accompanying the text and 32 color plates grouped together. This colonial art shaping Latin American art and culture long after Spanish rule ended in the early 1800s--and continuing to shape it--is seen today not only in museums, but also in the churches and buildings of many city plazas throughout Latin America from Mexico to Argentina and Chile.

A good overall approach to viceregal latin american art, meets the expectations. Very good for students and researchers of the field in general.