Rebecca Salsbury James
“New England Still Life” Reverse Glass Painting
c. 1940
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Rebecca Salsbury James
“New England Still Life” Reverse Glass Painting
c. 1940
Physical Qualities
Reverse oil on glass, Framed: 25 3/4 x 20 7/8 x 1 1/4 in. (65.4 x 53 x 3.2 cm) Sight: 21 3/4 x 17 in. (55.2 x 43.2 cm)
Credit Line
W. Clagett Emory Bequest Fund, in Memory of his Parents, William H. Emory of A and Martha B. Emory; Edward Joseph Gallagher III Memorial Fund; and purchase with exchange funds from Bequest of Lowell Nesbitt in Memory of Adelyn D. Breeskin
Object Number
2007.161
Seen through a glass surface, Rebecca Salsbury James’ paintings have a glowing, eerie, and austere effect. In making this reverse painting on glass, the self-taught artist combined the influences of American folk traditions, European modernist practices, and early color photography. Her precise technique is incredibly complex: details are painted first, then color is built up in reverse,
ending with the background color. Artist Marsden Hartley wrote to James of his own efforts at glass painting: “it nearly killed me and I never had the courage to take it up again.”
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 2007; Gerald Peters Gallery, New York; from Robert H. Reynolds, by descent; from Saul and Effie (Reynolds) Harburg, Taos, New Mexico, by gift; from the artist
Virginia Anderson, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "By Their Creative Force: American Women Modernists," October 6, 2019 — July 5, 2020
"Making the Connection," The Baltimore Museum of Art, Annual Report 2007, p. 18, ill.
Inscribed: Oct. 1958 gift to and property of Robert H. Reynolds "Flowers" Painting on glass by Rebecca James
Markings: Signed and titled on original backing: New England Still Life Taos N.M./Rebecca Salsbury James/Taos-N.M./Painting on Glass CARE!!!
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Scott 02
