by Nancilee D.V. Gasiel, archivist

Founder Abner Patton probably never imagined the adventures and travels he would take over the years. From just a few surviving images of his likeness, he would be recreated in paintings, sketches and lithographs during the 153 years since he became Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s first president. Levere Memorial Temple artist Johannes Waller created at least two oil paintings of Patton. Waller was often instructed to paint multiple portraits of a single subject, one that would remain at the Temple and the other that would be sent to a chapter that was connected to the subject in some way. When Waller completed a second painting of Patton in 1938 from a newly acquired image, the Supreme Council voted to hang it in the Founders Room. The other original was given to Virginia Tau at the University of Richmond, where Patton died in 1863.

Virginia Tau hung the portrait in its house. In 1942, the painting appeared in the background of a photograph taken at the house — but then it disappeared. During World War II, the chapter was forced to give up its house for military use, and members suspected the painting was relocated for safekeeping. After the war, the chapter rented a new house, later replaced by a university-owned lodge.

In December 2008, the Foundation received a call from a man who had purchased the painting from a Florida estate and planned to sell it at auction. Through the generosity of Cliff Yee (Richmond ’97), the painting was purchased at auction and is on loan to the Foundation. The painting will be displayed at the Temple temporarily and then returned to Virginia Tau.