Description:

Portrait of Henry Gourdin, Charleston merchant, as an older man (American school mid 19th century)
HENRY GOURDIN (abt.1805-1879) possibly after a miniature by Henry Brintnell Bounetheau circa 1840
pastel on paper, framed, unsigned
H19 1/2" W15 1/4"

Provenance: Property descended in the prominent early Charleston, South Carolina Gourdin and Young families to present owner.
Henry Gourdin Young, (1909 -1989, great-grandnephew of sitter)
Joseph Rutledge Young (1880-1936, grandnephew of sitter)
Henry Edward Young (1831-1918, nephew of sitter)
Robert Newman Gourdin (1812 -1894, brother of the sitter)
Henry Gourdin (abt.1805-1879, the sitter)

Literature: Gourdin, Peter Gaillard. THE GOURDIN FAMILY. Easley, SC: Southern Historical Press, 1980. pp.479-580. This portrait illustrated beside p. 570.

For a detailed account of the Gourdin Brothers in Charleston see Racine, Philip N. GENTLEMEN MERCHANTS: A CHARLESTON FAMILY'S ODYSSEY, 1828-1870. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 2008.

Other Notes: Henry Gourdin (abt.1805-1879) was the son of Samuel Gourdin (1766-1821). He worked his way up from a retail clerk in a King Street shop to become a prominent Charleston Merchant. He was a partner in the international firm of Gourdin, Matthiesson & Company and eventually invited his brother Robert Newman Gourdin (1812-1894) to join in the business. Together they were known as the "Cheeryble Brothers. He was elected the President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1853 and served for three successive years. He was a founder of the Bank of Charleston and served on its Board of Directors until 1879. He also became the President of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company in 1852 and also served in the South Carolina Legislature.
Possessing a generous spirit, Henry shared a home with his brother Robert and when the Reverand Thomas J. Young, the husband of his sister Rebecca Ann died, he invited her and her three sons to reside in the house as well. According to family records he treated his three nephews as if they were his own children.

    Condition:
  • *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. All lots are sold 'As Is' and in accordance with the Conditions of Sale. Condition reports and additional photographs are provided by request as a courtesy to our clients. Condition reports are not to be considered substitutes for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Charlton Hall's specialists are not trained professional conservators or restorers; we urge you to inspect each lot yourself or have your agent do so on your behalf. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charlton Hall Galleries, Inc., or its specialists is merely a subjective opinion, notwithstanding written reports or any discussion concerning condition in this catalogue. Prospective buyers should bear in mind that these reports will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration and/or repair. Buyers are reminded that Charlton Hall Galleries' warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Condition reports are provided by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. Requests submitted close to or during the auction may not be completed.

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December 4, 2011 1:00 PM EST
West Columbia, SC, US

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