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 heiress, Mrs Moulton, was described in the newspapers as the daughter of a rich American piano maker. She moved to Paris the 1840's, where she sought acceptance and notability. She aspired to hold soirees and fetes that all the most important people would attend and asked a Madame Lemercier and Colonel Thorn for assistance... Continue Reading →
It's unsurprising, with so much ostenatatious wealth, that the Thorn's were occasionally robbed over the years. I've found a few references to these incidents. One occasion was August 1839 when they were on holiday in Italy. They had been living in Paris for almost a decade at that time, and they travelled often. Colonel Thorn,... Continue Reading →
As you know, I'm particularly interested in Colonel Thorn's patronnage of the Arts. Being a writer (now especially in the age of Covid 19), I know how hard it is to maintain a creative career. So I'm fascinated by how culture is impacted by patrons enabling artists to survive. Horatio Greenough is remembered for a... Continue Reading →
Colonel Thorn's love affair with music had him dubbed one of the 'millionaire melomanists' (millionaire music lovers) for his involvement in having a statue built for Rossini when he was still alive. Below is lovely excerpt that discusses the debate over whether that was the right thing to do. Rossini
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…