Text by Vibeke Waallann Hansen, collection and exhibition curator.
In Backer’s family, art and culture were part of how the children were raised. Her older sister Agathe was musically gifted and wanted to become a pianist. She had to go abroad to learn, and Harriet became her sister's traveling companion. This gave Harriet the opportunity to visit art museums and get to know the historical masters of the art world at a young age. Agathe eventually became a renowned composer and concert pianist, while Harriet became an important artist.
When the new National Museum opens in 2022 Harriet Backer will get her own room in the collection exhibition.
Art academies for men only
Backer showed an early talent and interest in art, but embarked on full-time studies rather late in life. In 1874, at 29 years, she decided to travel to Munich. The art community in Norway was small, so one had to go abroad.
The art academies in Europe were reserved for men in those days, but women could receive private tuition or attend "women's classes". During her years in Munich, Backer had several teachers. In 1878 she moved to Paris to continue her studies.
An important recognition
Being accepted for exhibition at the Salon in Paris was an important step on the path to becoming a professional artist. In 1880, Backer was accepted with the painting Solitude. Hundreds of artists exhibited at these exhibitions at the same time, and the paintings hung close together, from floor to ceiling. The jury thought Backer's painting was excellent, and she was honoured with a diploma, known as a Mention honorable.
Contrasts in light and colours
Portraits and interiors
About Harriet Backer:
- Born 21 January 1845 in Holmestrand.
- Lived in Paris in 1878–1888.
- Important works:
- Solitude (1878–1880)
- Blått interiør (Blue Interior) (1883)
- På blekevollen (Bleaching) (1886–1887)
- Ved lampelys (By Lamplight) (1890)
- Barnedåp i Tanum kirke (Baptism at Tanum Church) (1892)
- Inngangskoner (Women in Church) (1892)
- Interiør fra Uvdal stavkirke (Interior from Uvdal Stave Church) (1909)
- Started an art school in Kristiania in the 1890s. Backer’s students included Nikolai Astrup, Halfdan Egedius, Harald Sohlberg, Henrik Lund, Helga Ring Reusch, Astri Welhaven and Sara Fabricius (Cora Sandel).
- Died 25 March 1932 in Oslo.