A Wonderful Musical Evening at Colonel Thorn’s

Love this description from the GAZETTE MUSICALE DE PARIS in 1835! Alice Thorn sang a duet by Handel.A wonderful musical evening took place this week at Colonel Thorn, with the aim of rescuing our unfortunate comrades-triotes from Guadeloupe, and it is believed that the product will have exceeded the figure of 10,000 fr. The hero... Continue Reading →

Alice Thorn de Ferussac’s Inheritance Pt 2

I discovered a second report from the New York Herald on the matter of Alice (Thorn) de Ferussac's inheritance. This one was dated in June, while the other was from April, 1913. Though most of the details are the same, it does mention Thorn's run in with authorities for driving a coach and 8 horses.... Continue Reading →

Alice Thorn de Ferussac’s Inheritance

Below is an account from the Gallica archives of what happened to Alice Thorn (de Ferussac's) fortune, which was mismanaged by her lawyer in Brooklyn. It's a sad story, made all the more poignant by the fact that Alice died in considerable pain from the results of surgery. From the NEW YORK HERALD of April 12: A document which... Continue Reading →

Charles Marville – photographer

Charles (Bossu) Marville was a French photographer famous for his images of the architecture of Paris in the Haussmann era. I found this image on an auction site, orginally given to Amedee and Alice (Thorn) de Ferussac in 1868. I'd love to know what the sculpture is and where it is kept. Marville's work recorded... Continue Reading →

The Lost Portraits

According to Jane Mary Jauncey Thorn's last will and testament, there are some paintings I have not been able to find. It is my deepest wish to at least sight a photo of the originals some day. Any help in tracking them down is greatly appreciated: Princess Esterhazy's natural pearl tiara Madame de Varaigne and... Continue Reading →

Which Daughter is in the Painting?

So, I'm a little confused over something. I'd love your thoughts! Which of the Thorn girls are in the first two paintings below with Ellen? Alice or Ida? The Frick collection notes say it's the Countess de Ferussac (Alice), but in his biography Healey refers to painting the two youngest Thorn girls, which would make... Continue Reading →

G. P. A. Healy and the Thorns

The renown artist, G.P. A. (George) Healy had an enduring friendship with his patron, Colonel Thorn. Not only did he paint many portraits of the family, but he had his "own room" in their Sixteenth St residence in the Flatiron district in Manhattan. They met on a voyage to Paris in 1831. From that first... Continue Reading →

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑