Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Poplars and February Sun, 1948; watercolor on paper, 27 1/2 x 35 1/2 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, March 6, 1948
Friday, Mar 6, 2020
About 10º above this morning. A.M. letter from Pres. James B Conant of Harvard that they wish to confer on me the Doctor of Arts Honorary Degree June 10.
Call from Mrs. Smith that they are deciding to keep the “Poplars & February Sun” – I said that I would call early P.M. for the picture, to seal it etc.
They had the picture over a grand piano and it looked as if painted for the spot. When, in taking it down, the hanger would not come free from the molding, Mrs. S. removed her shoes, climbed up on the piano to do it!
Sealed the picture & they took it back –
I regretted the loss of a marvelously mild sunny day (the temperature shot up to above 40º before noon).
Charles E. Burchfield, March 6, 1948