Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Burchfield titled Poplar Walk more generically in his Painting Index as “Three Poplars, Hot Sunlight.” The scene from High Street in his Salem, Ohio neighborhood appears more than once to chronicle the sun’s effect on the tall, elegant trees and inviting sidewalk. This version from June 7, 1916, radiates crimson heat down the path, despite long, cooling shadows crossing yellowed lawns. Nearly barren branches hold clusters of diminished leaves. One month later, it’s clear these are Dying Poplars. The poetry of this work, painted on July 6, 1916, is also reflected in Burchfield's journal entry that day:

     How the hot noon sun pours down on the glaring crimson roses.

     A heat withered leaf falling in a sun-hazed forest –

     Stars zigzagging above the lightning-lit horizon with its jagged border of black trees –

     Poplars dying in the noon heat-haze —