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A seated swagger portrait of Sarah Esther Chase Bourn, mother of William Bourn II, dated 1909. A swagger portrait was one way a wealthy individual could showcase their social status to guests of their home. Sarah faces the artist directly, which was uncommon for women at the time, as they were expected to be more demure. As a widow, she had greater power and was in full control of her estate and finances. Sarah chose to be painted by Mary Curtis Richardson, a female painter living in California at the time.Label
This oil painting from 1909 by artist Mary Curtis Richardson depicts Sarah Esther Chase Bourn, mother of William Bourn II. A swagger portrait was one way a wealthy individual could showcase their social status to visitors to their home. She faces the painter directly, which was uncommon for women at the time, as they were expected to be more demure. As a widow, she had greater power and was in control of her estate and finances.
Sarah married William Bourn I in 1849, but did not travel over to San Francisco until 1854. At the age of 61 in 1874, William Bourn I tragically and unexpectedly passed away, and Sarah took over the family and businesses. She was incredibly capable, ensuring the business continued as usual until her son, William Bourn II, took over.
