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My fascination with New Yorker Colonel Thorn and his family has been growing for several years. I am descended from one of his daughters, Jane Mary Thorn, who married Eugene Stephane de Pierres in 1842.
His flamboyant lifestyle, his decade in Paris living in the Hotel Matignon, his patronage of the Arts, and his architectural influence in Manhattan make an intriguing Gatsby-esque story – along with the many tragedies he experienced.
My contact in Ireland is descended from Jane’s sister, Alice (de Ferussac, whose daughter married into the Mansfield family). The Mansfield’s are putting these items to auction soon. How I wish I could afford to buy them! I’m also trying to find information on the artists who engraved them. Not coming up with any leads so far.
This is from Fonsie Mealy auctioneers:
The Thorn Portrait Medallions
A rare set of circular bronze medallion Profile Portraits of members of The Thorn Family of New York, each approx. 15cms-17cms in diameter (5 1/2″ x 6 1/2″) in matching original circular mahogany frames, as follows:
- Profile Portrait of Col. Herman Thorn, by Pascal, signed. It states on cont. note or reverse, ‘Col. Herman Thorn, nee 1782, a Mart 1859 – Marie a Jane Marie Taunceg (Jauncey), nee 1793 – morte 1873. 16? enfante.”
- Profile Portrait of Alfred Thorn, inscribed, and signed by sculptor J. Truleau or Traleau?
- Another, Profile Portrait of a Member of Thorn Family, signed by sculptor, G. de Nieuiverk? dated 1839. No identification of sitter, but remains of a note on reverse, in same hand as No. 1, the name Thorn appears … Leykam? 1857 or 1859.
* The Thorn family were very wealthy Americans who were inter-married to the Mansfields and lived in New York.
Hi All,
sorry for complete radio silence for so long. Between a PhD, two house moves, and significant personal issues, the last year or so has proved to be a time-sapping black hole. However, I am back with renewed verve, and am looking forward to bringing you stories and ideas.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a think camp at Think Place in Canberra. It was an event being held for the RAAF in conjunction with their project Plan Jericho. I got to meet some ultra cool people (including some rather brilliant women among them) working in the defence area and we built possible future worlds from scratch. You know how I like to build worlds! The workshop was well-facilitated and many ideas were generated. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the next innovation stage.
Once I submit my PhD (next month or so), I’ll be returning to a normal writing and appearances routine. In early August, I’ll be doing a tour of regional Queensland (around the Rockhampton area) with the Gondor Writer’s Centre, and stay tuned for a big announcement about this years Brisbane Writers Festival.
My application for a Fulbright scholarship is about to go in, so keep your fingers crossed for me. If I am fortunate enough to be selected, I will be overseas next year writing the biography of my American ancestor, Colonel Thorn. I’ve been hankering to write this book for some time (I like to call it the original Gatsby tale), but so many obstacles have been in my way. Then a few weeks ago, out of the blue, an Irish gentleman contacted me to say that he is also descended from Herman Thorn’s line and has a copper engraved image of him and his son, Albert. I think life is finally giving me the green light.
