.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The engraved monogram belongs to Sara Swan (1782-1851), who married William Sullivan (1774-1839) in 1802. A nearly identical bowl by Revere, bearing the monogram of Sara's mother, Hepzibah Clarke Swan (1757-1825), sold at Christie's, New York, June 17, 1992, lot 65.
Both Sara Swan and her mother were wealthy in their own right and supported their husbands. William Sullivan was a renowned lawyer and politician who served almost continuously in the Massachusetts General Court for more than 25 years. In 1829 his wife came into a large inheritance and he retired to pursue his career as a writer. He published several books on history and the class system.
Hepzibah Clarke married James Swan (1754-1830) in 1776. A Scottish émigré, James Swan was a radical patriot and member of the Sons of Liberty. He served with honor during the Revolution and was made a colonel. Renowned for lavish living, he invested unwisely in land speculation and fled to France in 1787 to recoup his fortune. He was involved in a successful scheme to commute America's post-war debt to France, however later ventures proved ruinous and he died in a Paris debtors' prison.
Both Sara Swan and her mother were wealthy in their own right and supported their husbands. William Sullivan was a renowned lawyer and politician who served almost continuously in the Massachusetts General Court for more than 25 years. In 1829 his wife came into a large inheritance and he retired to pursue his career as a writer. He published several books on history and the class system.
Hepzibah Clarke married James Swan (1754-1830) in 1776. A Scottish émigré, James Swan was a radical patriot and member of the Sons of Liberty. He served with honor during the Revolution and was made a colonel. Renowned for lavish living, he invested unwisely in land speculation and fled to France in 1787 to recoup his fortune. He was involved in a successful scheme to commute America's post-war debt to France, however later ventures proved ruinous and he died in a Paris debtors' prison.