Joseph Backler Paintings

Joseph Backler was a painter born in 1813 in London, England. He was a significant figure in the colonial Australian art scene, where he spent the majority of his career. Backler was the son of a painter and was trained by his father in the art of painting, which set the foundation for his future endeavors in the art world. His early life in England, however, took a dramatic turn when he was convicted of forgery at the age of 18 and was sentenced to transportation to Australia as a convict. In 1832, he arrived in New South Wales, where his skills as a painter would eventually lead to his prominence in the Australian art community.

Despite his convict status, Backler's talent did not go unnoticed. After serving part of his sentence, he was granted permission to work as a painter. He began to establish himself by painting portraits of prominent settlers, landscapes, and even religious works for churches, becoming one of the most sought-after artists in the colony. His portraits were especially valued for their attention to detail and the insight they provided into the lives of colonial Australians, capturing the burgeoning society of the time.

Joseph Backler's contribution to Australian art is significant not just for his extensive portfolio of work, which provides a visual record of the era, but also for his role in the development of the art scene in a nascent society. He was among the first professionally trained painters to live and work in Australia, and his legacy includes not only the paintings themselves but also his influence on other artists in the colony. He continued to work and live in Australia until his death in 1895. Through his work, Backler has left an indelible mark on the history of Australian art, documenting its early settlers and landscapes and contributing to the cultural heritage of the country.