1796 - 1878

Faktaark

  • Color intensity:
    • monochromatic
    • balanced
  • Top 3 works:
    • Eskimos Coming towards the Boats in Shoalwater Bay
    • Loss of the Third Canoe at the Barrier Rapid, Kamanatekwoya River
    • Lac du Diable
  • Lifespan: 82 years
  • Top-ranked work: Eskimos Coming towards the Boats in Shoalwater Bay
  • Typical colors: neutrals
  • Art period: 19th Century
  • Nationality: United Kingdom

The Explorer and Artist

George Back was a British Royal Navy officer, explorer of the Canadian Arctic, naturalist, and artist. Born in Stockport, United Kingdom, he began his maritime journey as a volunteer in the frigate HMS Arethusa in 1808. During his time as a prisoner in Verdun, he practiced his skills as an artist, a talent he would later utilize to record his travels through the Canadian Arctic. His career included serving under John Franklin on several expeditions, including the Coppermine and Mackenzie River expeditions.

His naval career was marked by significant Arctic voyages, such as the Back River Expedition and the Frozen Strait Expedition aboard the HMS Terror. During the latter, the vessel became icebound for ten months. Back eventually rose to the rank of admiral. Beyond his naval duties, he was a writer, an entomologist, and served as the vice-president of the Royal Geographical Society.

Artistic Works and Legacy

As an accomplished artist, Back captured the scenery of the Canadian North through various mediums. His works include:

His ability to provide vigorous expression to the landscapes he encountered earned him high praise from historians. His artistic legacy is preserved through his detailed records of the Arctic and his various sketches and watercolours.

Spørgsmål og svar

Hvilke farver brugte George Back oftest?

George Backs farvebrug på tværs af de værker, der er listet på denne hjemmeside, kan studeres på kunstnerens Farvepalettens DNA-side.

I hvilken historisk periode arbejdede George Back?

George Back var aktiv i 19th Century-perioden. Denne periode placerer kunstnerens virke i en historisk kontekst.

Kan jeg udforske George Backs værker efter farvespektrum?

Siden Farveindeks organiserer George Backs værker efter farve.

Findes der et overblik over alle de motiver, som George Back har malet?

George Backs værker kan udforskes efter emne på kunstnerens Emneoversigt-side.

Selvtest

Der er kun ét korrekt svar på hvert spørgsmål.

Spørgsmål 1:
In which city was George Back born?
Spørgsmål 2:
Which ship was Back commanding during the 1836–1837 expedition that became icebound?
Spørgsmål 3:
What was the highest naval rank George Back achieved?
Spørgsmål 4:
Which river was named after George Back?
Spørgsmål 5:
What was the subject of the watercolour that sold for $59,600 at auction in 2011?