Chevalier d’Eon de Beaumont (1728-1810)
Words and handkerchief by Patrick Black
This is my first embroidery. Admired by London society, the Chevalier d'Eon lived openly as both a man and a woman, drawing much public interest. Having always been attracted to androgyny and being no stranger to drag, I was instantly drawn to their story, reading as it does like a work of fiction. Indeed, they were the inspiration behind many a contemporaneous stage production and copious satirical prints. Chevalier was a fascinating character, going from the high life of a knight of the French Court to becoming a spy masquerading as a handmaiden to Empress Elizabeth of Russia. Exiled to London after the French revolution, he ended up in debtors’ prison, eventually dying penniless at the grand old age of 81. A life well led.
This artwork is part of The Wall of Sexual Heroes, a collaborative textile art piece featured in our previous exhibition at the Horse Hospital (2022) and Bow Arts Lab (2023). All embroidered, printed and appliquėd handkerchiefs celebrate unsung heroes of sexual emancipation, activism and innovation.
The Wall is an organic work. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with The Keeper.
