The Explorer and Artist George Back was a British Royal Navy officer, explorer of the Canadian Arctic, naturalist, and artist. Born in Stockport, United Kingdom, he began his maritime journey as a volunteer in the frigate HMS Arethusa in 1808. During his time as a prisoner in Verdun, he practiced his skills as an artist, a talent he would later utilize to record his travels through the Canadian Arctic. His career included serving under John Franklin on several expeditions, including the Coppermine and Mackenzie River expeditions. His naval career was marked by significant Arctic voyages, s…