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.

16 comments:

Topaz said...

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.

Jon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
An Aesthete's Lament said...

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

Jon said...

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

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

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

jones said...

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.

Penelope Bianchi said...

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!!!

laughingsalmon said...

Must do some research on this lady...

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

ArchitectDesign™ said...

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

locavoreincarlisle said...

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

The Swan said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Bravo.

Jamie Herzlinger said...

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

Erica said...

Wonderful quote!

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