This article examines the art collection acquired by Maximiano Errázuriz Valdivieso (1832-1890) and its evolution in the hands of his descendants, in particular his sons Guillermo and Rafael Errázuriz Urmeneta. It argues that the collection was an economic as well as a socio-cultural resource that formed part of the symbolic capital of the family. It also focuses on different strategies employed over three time periods to use and position the collection, which included its exhibition at various opportunities and its reproduction in supporting printed material. To study these aspects of the collection's history, the article relies on a wide range of sources, including sales and exhibition catalogues, press, family correspondence, as well as notary and judicial archives.