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| Eugenia Huici de Errázuriz, circa 1940, from Mo Amelia Teitelbaum's "The Stylemakers: Minimalism and Classic Modernism, 1915—1945" (Philip Wilson Publishers, 2010) |
"Everything has its place in life. Even objects guests don't normally see should reflect one's tastes and beliefs."
So said Eugenia Huici de Errázuriz (1860—1951), arguably the aesthete of all time, after a visitor to her house noticed a scarlet ribbon stylishly tied around the handle of a common household broom. A Bolivian-born mining heiress who sat for John Singer Sargent, inspired Jean-Michel Frank, supported Stravinsky, and collected Picasso, she left a lasting mark on interior design, choosing soulful minimalism over extravagant folderol.
16 comments:
The Boldoni portrait of her is just stunning and really captures her personality. She was killed in her 90s when she was struck by a car while crossing a street.
Even better is the Sargent painting of her as a young woman, called "The Lady in Black." http://jssgallery.org/Paintings/Madame_Errazuriz_The_Lady_in_Black.htm
I rather like "extravagant folderol" myself... Jx
This is a perfect quote. It encompasses that Idea of pride of place no matter the place. It all matters. pgt
As usual, you sent me scurrying off to find out more about this amazing woman. Although I could find no direct references, she must have been not only beautiful, as shown in her portraits, but exceedingly intelligent. To go against the grain of societal concepts of beauty (especially Latin American concepts of beauty) and to seemingly invent the aesthetic of minimalism is amazing. What a Dame. Thanks for pointing me in her direction.
I am going to research the "folderol" in my own house! And deal with it as best I can!
Penelope
ps She was painted by Boldini AND Sargent?
YIKES!!!
Must do some research on this lady...
I agree, very well said!
I hope you are having a great week! Happy Wednesday!
Xo,
E&J
I agree, very well said!
I hope you are having a great week! Happy Wednesday!
Xo,
E&J
Another fascinating person to look up after one of your posts. Was hoping to run into you at market but to no avail!
What a wonderful quote, if we all followed this, how much less trash in the world. Things need not be expensive, just well designed.
Did she not love White...walls for cleanliness? White for upholstery and White Casablanca Lilies in the house. A chair here, a small table there...a little Picasso. Convent clean and pure of all the decadence of years past...and who was it that even made her daily clothing? I know you know! ALL was black.
Bravo.
Fabulousost on a stunningly accomplished woman!
Once again your blog is spot on and great!
I love reading your posts!
Have a wonderful day!
Jamie Herzlinger
Wonderful quote!
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