1796 - 1878

Quick facts

  • 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.

Kysymykset ja vastaukset

Mistä voin nähdä George Back'n teokset aikajärjestyksessä?

George Back'n teokset ovat nähtävissä aikajärjestyksessä artistin Teosten aikajana -sivulla.

Mihin historialliseen aikakauteen George Back kuului?

George Back työskenteli 19th Century -aikakaudella. Aikakausi sijoittaa taiteilijan toiminnan historialliseen kontekstiin.

Voinko selata George Back teoksia tyylisuuntien mukaan?

George Backn edustamat taidesuuntaukset löytyvät artistin Kaikki taidesuuntaukset -sivulta, jossa teokset on ryhmitelty tyylisuuntien mukaan.

Mistä löytää George Back teokset järjestettynä värin mukaan?

George Back:n teoksia voi tutkia värin perusteella artistin Värispektri -sivulla.

Quick quiz

Jokaisessa kysymyksessä on vain yksi oikea vastaus.

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