Fundação Eva Klabin

Stepping back in time, let’s explore the Fundação Eva Klabin, a true gem in Rio de Janeiro. This isn’t just another museum; it’s a time capsule, a portal to different eras and cultures, all within a beautiful house overlooking the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Eva Klabin, the heart and soul of this place, was born in São Paulo in 1903. Her father, Hessel Klabin, co-founded the renowned Klabin paper industry. Eva’s life was a tapestry woven with international threads. She spent her youth in Germany, sought refuge in Switzerland during World War I, and even ventured to the United States for her studies. She married Paulo Rapaport, a journalist, and they settled in Rio de Janeiro in this very house. After Paulo’s death, Eva’s passion for collecting art blossomed. She transformed her home into a sanctuary for over 2,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years. Her collection isn’t just vast; it’s incredibly diverse. The Fundação Eva Klabin boasts a stunning array of art and artifacts. From ancient Egyptian sarcophagi and Greco-Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings and Oriental treasures, Eva’s discerning eye curated a collection that rivals some of the world’s finest museums. Think about it. Here, you can admire a marble head of Apollo, marvel at Tanagra figurines, and be captivated by a 17th Dynasty Egyptian coffin mask. The Italian collection shines with Renaissance masterpieces. You’ll find works attributed to Botticelli, a portrait by Tintoretto, and sculptures by masters like Donatello and Benedetto da Maiano. Eva’s passion for French art is evident in works ranging from a portrait attributed to François Clouet to a winter landscape by Camille Pissarro. And let’s not forget the English collection, boasting a study for Lady Caroline by Joshua Reynolds and portraits by Gainsborough and Lawrence. The Oriental collection is a journey through Asian art, with ancient Chinese bronzes, Tang dynasty terracotta figures, and a magnificent Guan Yin statue. The Fundação Eva Klabin isn’t just about the objects; it’s about the woman who brought them together, her life, and her love for art. It’s a testament to a life dedicated to beauty and knowledge, a gift she generously shared with the world.