Born in 1919 in Argentina, María Eva Duarte de Perón, also known as Evita, was the youngest of her five siblings. At the age of six, her father passed and her family fell into poverty. Determined to change the course of her life, Evita moved to Buenos Aires when she was 15 to pursue a career as an actress. Over the years, people took notice of Evita’s talent and she became one of the most in demand and highest paid actresses in the country.

Her infectious personality caught the attention of Colonel and favored government official, Juan Domingo Perón. The two were married in 1945 and thus began their legacy together. Shortly after their nuptials, Juan Perón joined the presidential race and was elected President of Argentina in 1946.

Evita was very involved and expressive throughout her husband’s presidential campaign and as First Lady. Given her background in radio and film, she gave many notable speeches and traveled all over the country alongside him. Through this, she gained the adoration and immense support from the people of Argentina.

Though she did not formally hold the position, Mrs. Perón ran the Ministry of Health and Labor. Never forgetting her upbringing, she worked to improve the lives of lower income and working-class Argentinians, and in 1948, she established the Eva Perón Foundation. The Foundation’s aim was to build orphanages, schools, and hospitals in underprivileged areas of Argentina and soon after became a successful organization. Additionally, Evita was a fierce advocate for women’s suffrage. Because of her determination, the law allowing women to vote was passed in 1947, paving the way for women to be voted for and elected into office.

At just 33 years old and in the height of her political popularity, Evita sadly passed away from cancer in 1952. Not only did she leave a lasting impression on the people of Argentina, but she was also beloved throughout the world. There have been numerous books written about the life she led, and Mrs. Perón was the inspiration for the 1978 musical Evita. The musical was later adapted into the 1996 film, which was nominated for and won many esteemed awards.

Mrs. Perón impressed the world with her combination of glamour and knack for politics, but she also had an eye for jewelry. Evita was known to have a significant collection of Van Cleef and Arpels, and there is wonderful documentation of her jewelry in photos taken throughout her life. One of the most notable pieces was her Van Cleef and Arpels ‘Mystery-Set’ Argentine flag brooch previously sold at Christie's in 1998 and again in 2013.

Additionally, Christie’s sold a ruby and diamond necklace of Mrs. Perón’s in 2003. Seen in many official portraits and on official Argentine postage stamps, this necklace was known to be a favorite of hers.

Christie's is delighted to offer Evita Perón’s Van Cleef and Arpels ‘Bouquet’ brooch (Lot 52). The use of materials in combination with the overall scale of the brooch is a wonderful tribute to the Retro period. Since the present consignor’s grandfather purchased the brooch from the auction of Evita’s personal collection in 1957, it has remained in private hands and has never been worn.

Marking the 70^th anniversary of her passing, the extraordinary life and legacy of Evita Perón and her dedication to the people of Argentina is still remembered today.