This May, Sotheby’s Paris will offer the collection of Spanish socialite and tastemaker Yolanda Eleta de Fierro, comprising her jewellery collection and the contents of her sumptuous neo- classical Madrid residence.
Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracián famously wrote: “You can cultivate taste, as you can the intellect” (Oráculo 1647) – a quote that perfectly encapsulates Doña Yolanda’s approach to life and art. Throughout the years, she forged close links with intellectual circles and trained her discerning eye on many artistic disciplines, including classical music, poetry, ballet and literature.
The breath-taking dining room of Calle Serrano was evocative of the grandeur of an English country home, with its 18th-century dark blue Chinese wallpaper and an opulent acajou table on which was displayed the highlight of the collection: a magnificent Regency silver service by Paul Storr. The immense living room, which hosted many exclusive gatherings, embodied the sophisticated comfort that was the hallmark of Maison Jansen. Featuring Chinese porcelain, exquisite French clocks, lacquered chinoiserie cabinets, English giltwood mirrors and beautiful chairs, this space perfectly married elegance and sophistication. The library was a more intimate space. At the centre sat two large globes designed by Malby, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of objects collected during Doña Yolanda’s trips and each with a story to tell.
Doña Eleta started to collect jewellery in 1945. Over the years, she assembled a rich and varied collection, highlighted by exceptional gemstones, most notably diamonds and emeralds. Each piece has been carefully selected: some reflect the collector’s Panamanian and Costa Rican origins and are reminiscent of pre-Columbian treasures, others underline Doña Eleta’s taste for beautifully crafted gold pieces, animal designs and motives inspired by Latin American imagery.
