The Stylish Wadhams

Reputed to be descendants of Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham the seventeenth century founders of Wadham College at Oxford University, this couple was painted by Isaac Wane Slater around the mid 1810s.

The gentleman, of florid complexion, is depicted wearing a blue coat with brass buttons over a white waistcoat and frilled white cravat. His wife, of paler complexion having no doubt made good use of her parasol and face screen, is wearing a white shimmering satin dress trimmed with lace and tied at the waist, a cornflower blue shawl over her shoulders and a gold chain with an eyeglass tucked into the waistband. Her brown hair is braided and upswept.

The portraits are skillfully painted with good detailing and depth. The reverse of one is signed in pencil

I. W. Slater / 14 Charlotte St / Fitzroy Square

The portraits are set in gilt-metal frames backed with differing shades of velvet. Excellent condition.

Isaac Wane Slater (1785-1836) was the son of a portrait artist and honed his skill working alongside his two equally talented brothers under the guidance of his father. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1821 and 1836.