Museum of Fine Arts Boston has unveiled a fresh perspective on the 18th-century Americas, with a new exhibition that brings together over 400 objects from diverse regions. Among them is Alan Michelson’s bust of George Washington, which invites visitors to reflect on the president's controversial legacy.
The display includes a Mohawk artist’s work alongside more familiar pieces by British-influenced artists, highlighting power dynamics and resistance. A Dunkin’ cup stands next to silver vessels related to Boston's tea trade, symbolizing the lighthearted aspects of American history too often overlooked.
Curators Erica Hirshler and Lucía Abramovich Sánchez aimed to tell wider narratives, presenting America’s past in a pluralistic light. They turned down a $400,000 grant from the NEH, citing concerns over executive compliance demands. Their decision underscores the importance of preserving historical accuracy without political constraints.
‘I hope that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of what America means,’ curators Sánchez said. This reinstallation not only looks at the past but also reflects on how we define our identity as a nation today.’
