George Beymer was born in Nebraska and came to Alaska in 1904. He belongs to a type of artist working in Alaska in the early part of the 20th century who travelled through the Pacific Northwest, painting scenes of landscapes and views as well as life in this new part of the country. These artists were often self-taught and are known collectively as “tramp artists”, who made their living by painting.

This painting of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier was completed in 1932. It hung originally in the Territorial Building, and was subsequently lost. The painting was rediscovered by a group of Alaskans who had it professionally restored and re-presented in 2003.