The Real Beauty: The Artistic World of Eugenia Errázuriz is the first American museum exhibition centered on the life of this remarkable figure in the history of modern art and design. The exhibition will trace Eugenia’s life through the many portraits bearing her likeness, as well as some of the works of art that formed her extraordinary collection. Addressing the larger subject of the role of South Americans in turn-of-the-century Europe, the exhibition will feature works of art centered around Eugenia’s relatives and friends, especially the Subercaseaux, who shared her passion for the arts.
Eugenia Huici Arguedas de Errázuriz arrived in Europe with her husband, amateur painter José Tomás Errázuriz, in the early 1880s. Very quickly, the newlywed Errázurizes began making their rounds across Europe, becoming, along with their relatives Amalia and Ramón Subercaseaux, favorites among the cosmopolitan group of artists in turn-of-the-century Europe. Eugenia’s exotic beauty was celebrated by some of the greatest artists of her generation,including John Singer Sargent, Giovanni Boldini, and Jacques-Émile Blanche; many of their works, along with others by Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, and Man Ray, will be featured in this exhibition.
As time went on, Eugenia continued to inspire artists, writers, and musicians around Europe, both through her unique personal style and her faithful patronage. In 1916, she was introduced to Pablo Picasso by Jean Cocteau; this marked the beginning one of the most intriguing artist-patron relationships of the twentieth century. Eugenia was also known as a great tastemaker, as her belief in high-quality minimalism in both interior design and fashion spawned a legion of followers, most notably Jean-Michel Frank. Frank penned an article celebrating Eugenia’s discerning eye and contributions to the concept of modern design for the February 1938 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. In addition, several articles about Eugenia appeared in Vogue and in Vogue Paris in 1918 through 1928.
The Real Beauty: The Artistic World of Eugenia Errázuriz will be on view at the Dixon through April 8, 2018. An
exhibition catalogue by Martha R. Robinson Curator Julie Pierotti will be available for purchase at the Dixon.
Image credits:
John Singer Sargent, Ramón Subercaseaux in a Gondola, 1880. Oil on canvas mounted on panel. Collection of Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Jacques-Émile Blanche, Portrait of Eugenia Huici Arguedas de Errázuriz, 1890. Pastel on canvas. Collection of Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
ABOUT THE DIXON
Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum and public garden distinguished by its diverse and innovative programs in the arts and horticulture. In addition to the collection of French masterpieces, porcelain, and pewter, the museum organizes and presents eight to ten exhibitions every year, the diversity of which appeals to visitors of all ages.
TOURS: Please contact Sarah Catmur at tours@dixon.org or 901-761-5250.
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