Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Walter Vavasour was born in Rothwell, Yorkshire in 1744/5.
Frances pre-deceased her father so Anne and Charlotte became his co-heiresses upon Walter’s death in 1820 .
The portrait is set with a gilt mount within an ebonised frame with an inner giltwood surround. An old label on the backing board is signed by the artist and reads –
This Picture of Walter Vavasour / was taken in the 70th year of / his age and given by him / to his youngest Daughter 1814. / J Downman R.A.
In a later hand is added –
Walter Vavasour, he died at 1/2 past two o’clock on Saturday morn Novr. 18th 1820.
The son of a Welsh attorney, John Downman (1750-1824) started drawing as a child. Initially educated in Chester and Liverpool, he entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1769 before spending time in Italy. Upon his return to London, his studio became a magnet for fashionable society. He was most successful with his pastel and watercolour portraits and only required a single sitting to capture a likeness.
Framed Size: 461 x 399mm
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
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John Downman, Pastel Portrait of Walter Vavasour
