"This comprehensive history follows the architecture, sculpture, and painting of Colonial South America from the fifteenth to the beginning of the nineteenth century, Magnificent cathedrals replete with elaborately carved and gilded altarpieces, paneling, and furnishings are illustrated along with the austere fortresses and governmental palaces of the Spanish and Portuguese." "South America has been the scene of complex cultural processes in which a variety of European elements and influences have mingled with native perceptions of beauty, inherent artistic ability and spiritual beliefs, resulting in works that are markedly distinct from those of other colonial areas." "The authors have photographed seldom seen paintings and sculptures from remote churches that testify in their brilliance and pathos to the fervor of the artists, often newly converted to the Catholic faith." "The chronological text is in two sections, reflecting the often conflicting histories of the Portuguese and Hispanic colonies. Chapters cover architecture, sculpture according to type, from altarpieces to freestanding figures, and regional styles of painting." "This indispensable reference book includes over 800 photographs complemented by maps, architectural plans and sections, a glossary and index of the principal monuments with lists of works to be found in each of them." "Damian Bayon has written and edited numerous books on Colonial and contemporary Latin American art and has lectured throughout South and Central America and at Stanford University and the Sorbonne Nouvelle. Murillo Marx has been President of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Sao Paulo since 1972 and has directed many architectural restoration projects for the Brazilian government."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved