Hugh Cassidey, Sr.
Datec. 1825 - 1835
MediumOil on panel
DimensionsFramed: 30 1/4 × 25 inches (76.8 × 63.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Elton W. Creech.
Object number1949.2
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextHugh Cassidey, Sr. came to Savannah in November 1816 from Londonderry, Ireland, via New York City. Mr. Cassidey resided in Savannah in 1820 and 1830, and at one time is known to have owned a saddle and harness shop in the city. Mr. Cassidey was “noted for his integrity, patient industry and indomintable [sic] energy.” Cassidey’s first wife, Mary Hudson, died about 1828, leaving the widower with a daughter Mary Anne, age eleven, and two young sons, James aged six, and Hugh Emmett aged four. In 1832 Hugh Cassidey married Eliza Crum of Effingham County. By 1840 the family had moved to Effingham County. It is possible that the portraits of the new husband and wife, and their three children were commissioned at this time to commemorate the marriage.
The Cassidey family portraits are attributed to an artist known as the “Savannah Panelist,” an unknown artist who executed enough paintings in Savannah to be identified with the city. The works of this artist are linked by several stylistic qualities, including a slight turn of the pose, the treatment of the hand, individuality of the faces, and skilled modeling of the figures.
