Albert E. Backus (American, 1906-1991) Untitled (Everglade Sunset) Oil on canvas 25-1/2 x 30 inches (64.8 x 76.2 cm) Signed lower right: A.E. Backus PROVENANCE: The artist; Private collection, Belle Glade, Florida, acquired from the above, circa 1955; Private collection, Denver, Colorado, by descent from the above. Albert Ernest "Beanie" Backus is widely regarded as the Dean of Florida painters, an artist whose work helped define the visual identity of the state in the 20th century. Born in Fort Pierce in 1906, Backus came of age in a Florida that was still largely rural—its economy rooted in fishing and agriculture, its landscape vast and unspoiled. That early environment would become the enduring subject of his oeuvre. Largely self-taught, with only brief study at Parsons in New York, Backus developed a distinctive style grounded in direct observation and an intuitive understanding of light. He first gained recognition for still lifes—particularly hibiscus—but it was his landscapes of Florida's backcountry, skies, and waterways that established his legacy. His compositions often center on atmosphere rather than detail: expansive skies, shifting clouds, and reflective water surfaces that evoke both place and mood. Backus' career unfolded steadily. During the Great Depression, he supported himself through modest commissions and local work, achieving early success with a 1931 one-man exhibition. National recognition followed in 1939 when his painting And Then There Was Light was selected to represent Florida in the "Art Across the Nation" exhibition, marking a turning point that allowed him to pursue painting full-time. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Backus returned to Florida and began producing the Everglades scenes that would become synonymous with his name. By the 1950s and 60s, his reputation had grown significantly, earning him accolades such as "Florida's painter laureate" and, later, designation as a "state treasure." Equally important is Backus' role as a mentor. His Fort Pierce studio became a gathering place for artists, including the group now known as the Florida Highwaymen—predominantly African American painters who sold their work along Florida's highways in the mid-20th century. Backus offered guidance, materials, and encouragement, helping shape one of the most significant movements in regional American art. His influence on their work—and his commitment to artistic access and opportunity—remains a defining aspect of his legacy. Untitled (Everglade Sunset) is a compelling example of Backus' mature vision. A luminous sky, rendered in soft tones of peach, rose, and gold, rises above a quiet expanse of water and marshland. The composition is anchored by a cluster of trees, their forms silhouetted yet richly textured, while delicate wading birds animate the foreground. Backus' mastery lies in his ability to translate fleeting light into something enduring: the painting feels both immediate and timeless, capturing Florida as it once existed—untouched, expansive, and quietly majestic. Today, Backus is recognized not only as a regional painter, but as a central figure in American art whose work bridges landscape tradition and modern sensibility. His paintings offer more than representation—they convey a deep reverence for place, memory, and atmosphere. Untitled (Everglade Sunset) exemplifies that achievement, standing as both a tribute to Florida's natural beauty and a testament to Backus' enduring influence. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

The artist; Private collection, Belle Glade, Florida, acquired from the above, circa 1955; Private collection, Denver, Colorado, by descent from the above.

Condition report available upon request.
Framed Dimensions 35.25 X 30.5 Inches