Albert E. “Beanie” Backus (American, 1906 – 1990)
Oil on Canvas. Signed and dated (1982) lower right.
Sight Size: 12.25 x 16 in.
Overall Framed Size: 17 x 21 in.
Albert Backus is regarded as the Dean of Florida Painters. He is known as the most influential person of The Highwaymen, a group of 1950s African-Americans who are arguably the best known of the Florida folk-art painters. His work can be found in the LBJ Texas library, the rooms of the Georgia State Supreme Court and the A.E. “Bean” Backus Gallery and Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is the location of his studio and much of his collection of paintings and original sketches including the earliest known work, painted in 1918 and the unfinished painting on his easel at the time of his death. Also at the Backus Gallery and Museum is a collection of work by The Highwaymen.