Omar Onsi

Omar Onsi (1901–1969) was a pioneering Lebanese painter known for his delicate watercolors and portrayals of Lebanon’s landscapes and people. Born in Beirut, he initially studied medicine before turning fully to art under the mentorship of Khalil Saleeby. He taught in Jordan, studied in Paris at the Académie Julian, and gained acclaim for painting both local and international scenes with subtle colors and mood-rich brushwork.

Despite working with nudes and exhibiting abroad, Onsi remained focused on traditional Lebanese subjects. A co-founder of the Lebanese Association for Artists, he served on the Sursock Museum’s board and left a lasting legacy in modern Lebanese art.