Marianne de Pierres
Marianne de Pierres is Australian author and academic
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.
