Some of the anecdotes I have found in the course of my research have been amusing and revealing. None more so than this one from 1866, which I mentioned in my post about Jane (Thorn) de Pierres. It is such an insight into the tone and day to day court life of Napoleon 111 and... Continue Reading →
You can't imagine how thrilled I was to find this ghost story about Colonel Thorn. Even if the journalist denounces its veracity, it's quite a find! I love how this family saga has so many dimensions. It seems the Colonel loved having his big family all around him, and in latter years it was nothing... Continue Reading →
In a previous post, I looked at how Jane Mary (Thorn) de Pierres (1821 - 1873) was immortalised in paintings and scultpures, but I'd like to dip into her life a bit more, and try and recreate a picture of her personality. Other than being the third eldest girl of thirteen children, not a lot... Continue Reading →
While researching this story, I never expected to discover how Jane and Etienne met. As a biographer, much of the narrative you construct is deduction or 'best guess' based on incomplete facts or hearsay. Occasionally though, you stumble on an anecdote that brings the elusive story vividly to life. I had this moment last night... Continue Reading →
The early nineteenth century in Europe produced some astounding art and literature. I had the pleasure of seeing The Second Republic exhibition at the Musee Dorsay in Paris in 2016. What a revelation! Rich artwork, beautiful sculpture and splendid objets d'art. The aristocracy and the wealthy indulged money and time seeking to record and immortalise... Continue Reading →
The Colonel and Mrs Thorn 
I noticed that too..nicknames add even more color to the picture
Oh, yes I found the photo amd put it on the poat about the Thorn granchildren! From Jane's letters it…
I shared her portrait and her father James with you…James is the black framed portrait vs the giant gold framed…
Dear Jacqueline, I feel the same as you. It has brought so much to life. Jane is clearly very fond…
How wonderful to hear the voices of the family..the daily life, the visits the boredom…first hand accounts from woman are…