William Owen (1769-1825)

Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl Bessborough (1758-1844)
Oil on canvas
30 x 25 in.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, California

Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough (1758-1844), was the eldest son of the 2^nd Earl of Bessborough and succeeded to his father’s titles in 1793. He married Lady Henrietta Spencer on 27 November 1780. Their marriage was a difficult one as Frederick was abusive and they both had numerous affairs. They where avid gamblers and often found themselves in debt. They had four children, one being the notorious Lady Caroline Lamb.