Edward Backhouse 1876 - 1877

This is a portrait of Edward Backhouse, featured as a frontispiece in a French biography. While the artist remains anonymous, the biography itself provides insight into the cultural values Backhouse embodied. Born in 1808, Backhouse came from a family of merchants and mine owners, illustrating the intersection of commerce, industry, and social status during this era. Though financially secure, he chose to dedicate his time to philanthropic and religious works, reflecting the social expectations placed upon privileged men of the time. His passions included natural history, travel, and painting, highlighting interests valued by the educated elite. Backhouse’s biography was written by M. Thomas Hodgkin, and its translation into French indicates an effort to disseminate his life story and values to a broader audience. Consider how biographies like this one served to shape societal ideals, reinforcing certain behaviors and aspirations while overlooking others. How does Backhouse’s story make you feel?