Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

In his Painting Index, Burchfield wrote that the original title for this Salem, Ohio scene was “January Thaw”; but when it was mistitled when it was first exhibited, he “allowed [it] to stand, altho it lacks significance.” The Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, New York, presented that Exhibition of Water Color Paintings by American Artists, First Biennial from November 8 through December 18, 1921. The catalogue includes February Thaw, which the museum purchased—the first museum to purchase a painting by Burchfield, sold by Mrs. Mary Mowbray-Clarke. —Nancy Weekly, Burchfield Scholar, 2025