Sir William Gore Ouseley

Place: London

Born: 1797

Death: 1866

Biography:

Early Life and Career

Sir William Gore Ouseley was a British diplomat who served in various roles in Washington, D.C., Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. He is best known for his negotiations concerning ownership of Britain's interests in what is now Honduras and Nicaragua. Born in London to the orientalist Sir William Ouseley and his wife, Julia, Ouseley was exposed to the world of art and diplomacy from a young age.

Diplomatic Career

Ouseley's diplomatic career took him to various parts of the world, including Washington, D.C., where he served as an attaché from 1825 to 1832. During his time in Washington, he had his first book published, showcasing his writing skills. In 1850, Ouseley published "Notes on the Slave Trade", a work that highlighted his interest in social issues.

Artistic Pursuits

In addition to his diplomatic career, Ouseley was also an accomplished artist. His watercolor painting Gamboa, Bahia is a notable example of his artistic skills. The painting is currently housed at the in São Paulo, Brazil.

Notable Works and Collections

Ouseley's artwork can be found in various museums and collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The museum's collection includes over 40,000 works of American art, ranging from paintings to sculptures. Some notable artists whose work is also part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection include:

• Edward Hopper, known for his painting Cape Cod Morning
• Robert Henri, known for his painting Willie Ge
• James Bard, known for his maritime paintings, including P. Crary

Legacy

Sir William Gore Ouseley's legacy extends beyond his diplomatic career and artistic pursuits. He is also remembered for his commentary on the legends surrounding the historical figure Dick Whittington. Ouseley married Marcia Van Ness in 1827, the 20-year-old daughter of the Governor of Vermont. For more information on Sir William Gore Ouseley and his artwork, visit Wikioo.org. The website features a collection of his paintings, including Gamboa, Bahia , as well as information on other notable artists and museums.