Drawn in pastels, this ‘warts-and-all’ portrait shows Walter Vavasour looking prosperous and satisfied with life. A view of his estates as seen through the window underline that prosperity.Walter Vavasour was born in Rothwell, Yorkshire in 1744/5. In 1785, aged 40, he married Ann Wortley and with her had three daughters, Anne, Frances and Charlotte. 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 ...