Background
Backer was born in Harlingen, Netherlands, but his father moved in 1611 to Amsterdam, after his wife died.
Backer was born in Harlingen, Netherlands, but his father moved in 1611 to Amsterdam, after his wife died.
He produced about 140 paintings in twenty years, including portraits, religious subjects, and mythological paintings. In his style he was influenced by Wybrand de Geest, Rubens and Abraham Bloemaert. He is also noted for his drawings of male and female nudes.
The family lived on Nieuwendijk near the harbour.
In 1633 Backer returned to Amsterdam, and probably worked for Hendrick Uylenburgh. He died in Amsterdam, in his early forties.