In this wide-ranging book, a distinguished scholar of Latin American art explores the meanings of created and depicted objects from the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions of the New World. Edward J. Sullivan begins with objects exchanged during encounters between indigenous peoples of the Americas and newly-arrived Europeans, and he pursues the discussion to the present day, as artists engage in breaking down constructed concepts of “Latin American-ness.” Sullivan’s scope is sweeping―the changing meanings of objects over five centuries―and he encourages deeper conversation about the complexities of today’s culture of the Americas.

From American-made handicrafts displayed in Old World curiosity cabinets, to still life paintings projecting a Latin American nation’s proud self-image, to 20th-century “found objects” identified as works of art, objects from the Americas provide a wealth of cultural insights. This generously illustrated volume invites the reader to travel across time and national boundaries to examine an array of these extraordinary and meaningful objects.