05 April 2011

Well Said: Eugenia Huici de Errázuriz

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.
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16 comments:

  1. Topaz05 April, 2011 18:06

    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.

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  2. Jon05 April, 2011 18:21

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. An Aesthete's Lament05 April, 2011 20:12

    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

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  4. Jon05 April, 2011 20:21

    I rather like "extravagant folderol" myself... Jx

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  5. P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury06 April, 2011 00:02

    This is a perfect quote. It encompasses that Idea of pride of place no matter the place. It all matters. pgt

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  6. jones06 April, 2011 00:12

    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.

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  7. Penelope Bianchi06 April, 2011 02:25

    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!!!

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  8. laughingsalmon06 April, 2011 08:40

    Must do some research on this lady...

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  9. Anonymous06 April, 2011 09:27

    I agree, very well said!
    I hope you are having a great week! Happy Wednesday!
    Xo,
    E&J

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  10. Anonymous06 April, 2011 09:28

    I agree, very well said!
    I hope you are having a great week! Happy Wednesday!
    Xo,
    E&J

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  11. ArchitectDesign™06 April, 2011 12:03

    Another fascinating person to look up after one of your posts. Was hoping to run into you at market but to no avail!

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  12. locavoreincarlisle06 April, 2011 16:47

    What a wonderful quote, if we all followed this, how much less trash in the world. Things need not be expensive, just well designed.

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  13. The Swan07 April, 2011 19:53

    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.

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  14. Anonymous09 April, 2011 12:20

    Bravo.

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  15. Jamie Herzlinger05 June, 2011 13:18

    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

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  16. Erica22 September, 2011 02:29

    Wonderful quote!

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"An Aesthete's Lament" looks forward to your comments, whether good or ill. Personal attacks, however, will be deleted without a moment's hesitation.