The grande dame of Norwegian Painting – teacher of Nikolai Astrup and Harald Sohlberg. Harriet Backer (1845–1932) was one of Norway’s most prominent painters of the 19th century and a pioneer among women artists in Europe. In 1880, she debuted in the Paris Salon and lived in Munich and Paris. Back in Oslo, she established a successful school for painters. This catalogue presents Backer to an international audience, thus giving her back the place she deserves in art history. Harriet Backer’s richly coloured interior scenes, sensitive portrayals of simple rural life, her portraits and still lifes are characterised by plein-air painting, realism and Impressionism. Her works stand out, not only in Norway, but also in the European context, when it comes to originality, scope and quality. The publication highlights her artistic achievements and places her oeuvre in the European context.