A revealing look at U.S. imperialism through the lens of visual
culture and portraiture
In 1898, the United States seized territories overseas, ushering in an
era of expansion that was at odds with the nation's founding promise of
freedom and democracy for all. This book draws on portraiture and visual
culture to provide fresh perspectives on this crucial yet
underappreciated period in history.
Taína Caragol and Kate Clarke Lemay tell the story of 1898 by bringing
together portraits of U.S. figures who favored overseas expansion, such
as William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, with those of leading
figures who resisted colonization, including Eugenio María de Hostos of
Puerto Rico; José Martí of Cuba; Felipe Agoncillo of the Philippines;
Padre Jose Bernardo Palomo of Guam; and Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawai'i.
Throughout the book, Caragol and Lemay also look at landscapes, naval
scenes, and ephemera. They consider works of art by important period
artists Winslow Homer and Armando Menocal as well as contemporary
artists such as Maia Cruz Palileo, Stephanie Syjuco, and Miguel Luciano.
Paul A. Kramer's essay addresses the role of the Smithsonian Institution
in supporting imperialism, and texts by Jorge Duany, Theodore S.
Gonzalves, Kristin L. Hoganson, Healoha Johnston, and Neil Weare offer
critical perspectives by experts with close personal or scholarly
relations to the island regions.
Beautifully illustrated, 1898: Visual Culture and U.S. Imperialism in
the Caribbean and the Pacific challenges us to reconsider the
Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the annexation of
Hawai'i while shedding needed light on the lasting impacts of U.S.
imperialism.
Published in association with the Smithsonian's National Portrait
Gallery, Washington, DC
Exhibition Schedule
National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC
April 28, 2023-February 25, 2024
