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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Harriet Backer

Art Appreciation

Harriet Backer, born on January 21, 1845, in Holmestrand, Norway, was raised in a culturally rich environment that nurtured her artistic inclinations. Her family's move to Christiania (now Oslo) in 1857 provided her with greater exposure to the arts. 

Accompanying her musically gifted sister, Agathe Backer Grøndahl, on study trips abroad, Harriet visited numerous art museums, deepening her appreciation for painting. Despite her early interest, she embarked on formal art studies relatively late, moving to Munich in 1874 at the age of 29 to receive private tuition, as art academies were then reserved for men. In 1878, she continued her studies in Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant art scene. 

Backer's career flourished as she became a prominent figure in Norwegian art, renowned for her detailed interior scenes that captured the interplay of light and shadow. Her painting "Blue Interior" (1883) exemplifies her ability to convey the tranquil atmosphere of domestic life through rich colors and meticulous attention to light. Similarly, "By Lamplight" (1890) showcases her skill in depicting intimate indoor settings, with a focus on the subtle effects of lamplight illuminating a solitary figure. 

Throughout her 50-year career, Backer not only created a significant body of work but also inspired a new generation of artists. She became a mentor to many younger painters, both men and women, emphasizing the importance of independence and creative integrity. Her dedication to capturing the nuances of everyday life and her role in advancing women's rights in the arts have solidified her legacy as a pioneer among female artists in the Nordic countries and Europe. 


Blue Interior, 1883

Chez Moi, 1887

By Lamp Light, 1890

Italian Woman, 1864

The Farewell, 1878


Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Harriet-Backer/DE7F3BBBA18FD116

https://www.kalligone.com/harriet-backer-biography-and-paintings/

https://www.nationalmuseum.se/en/harriet-backer 

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/collection/object/nmk.dep.2018.0032.012

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/stories/explore-the-collection/harriet-backer-at-175/

https://www.wikiart.org/en/harriet-backer/all-works#!#filterName:all-paintings-chronologically,resultType:masonry

https://theartbog.com/biography-harriet-backer/#google_vignette 

https://mydailyartdisplay.uk/2019/04/07/harriet-backer-part-1-the-early-years/

https://www.artnet.com/artists/harriet-backer/

https://awarewomenartists.com/en/series_animees/lhistoire-de-harriet-backer/

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/harriet-backer-1845-1932-music-colors

https://www.artchive.com/artists-by-art-movement/female-impressionist-painters/

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