The tradition of portraiture in Latin America is astonishingly long and rich. For over 2,000 years, portraits have been used to preserve the memory of the deceased, bolster the social standing of the aristocracy, mark the deeds of the mighty, advance the careers of politicians, record rites of passage, and mock symbols of the status quo. This beautiful and wide-ranging book-the first to explore the tradition of portraiture in Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present day-features some 200 works from fifteen countries.

Retratos (Portraits) presents an engaging variety of works by such well-known figures as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, and Jose Campeche as well as stunning examples by anonymous and obscure artists. Distinguished contributors discuss the significance of portraits in ancient Mayan civilizations, in the world of colonial Iberians, in the political struggles of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and in a remarkable range of other times and locations.

With a wealth of informative details and exquisite color illustrations, Retratos invites readers to appreciate Latin American portraits and their many meanings as never before.

Published in association with the San Antonio Museum of Art; The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; and the El Museo del Barrio

Exhibition Schedule:

Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach (July 23 to October 2, 2005)

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian, Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2005, to January 8, 2006)

San Antonio Museum of Art (February 4 to April 30, 2006)

San Diego Museum of Art (April 16 to June 12, 2005)