This volume documents the significant acquisitions made by the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the years 1987 and 1988, offering a curated look at the museum's collecting priorities and the artistic landscape of the period. Edited by Philippe de Montebello, then Director of the museum, the book provides insight into the strategic growth of the institution's collections. It serves as a record of the museum's commitment to expanding its holdings with important works across various departments. The selection highlights pieces that were deemed essential for scholarly study and public appreciation.

As a museum acquisition catalogue from a specific period, 'Recent Acquisitions: A Selection, 1987-1988' is primarily of interest to art historians, curators, and serious collectors. The authority perspective would likely focus on the scholarly value of the documented pieces and the curatorial decisions behind their acquisition. Such publications are typically reviewed within specialized art historical journals or museum publications, where their contribution to the understanding of art history and museum practice is assessed.