It was listed by Wigs on the Green. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
Wigs on the Green has dated this Antique Pastel Portrait 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 Antique Pastel Portrait to the 19th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
John Downman, Pastel Portrait of Walter Vavasour
