Charles H. Walther
Reversible Composition
1936
Physical Qualities
Oil on composition board, Framed: 35 1/16 × 30 in. (89.1 × 76.2 cm.)
Unframed: 30 1/16 × 25 in. (76.4 × 63.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Bequest of the Artist
Object Number
1938.717
"Reversible Compostion" by Charles H. Walther, 1937-1938. Oil on composition board. Demonstrates repeated forms and elements in various colors to create dynamic abstraction. The work, made in the last year of his life, is even more fluid because the artist gave no indication which side of the composition was meant to be the top. The flat, simplified shapes outlined in black call to mind stained glass, a medium Walther worked in when he created windows for several churches in Baltimore. At The BMA, Walther had his first solo show in 1930. In 1938, after his passing, The BMA held a major memorial exhibition.
Artist's description: "EXPLANATION: This painting is an attempt at automatic intuitive composition. The reversal of this composition upon its four sides, results in four automatic changes in the movements of its forms, moods and its color dominants. Each position is complete in itself."
Baltimore Museum of Art by bequest, 1938; Charles H. Walther (1879-1938), Baltimore, MD
The Baltimore Museum of Art. "Sixth Annual Exhibition of Maryland Artists," March 5-April 3, inclusive. 1938.
The Baltimore Museum of Art. "Charles H. Walther: A Memorial Exhibition," May 14-28, inclusive. 1939.
The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, Maryland Hall, February 23 - May 23, 1956.
Schleisner Co., Baltimore, MD, November 4-13, 1957.
Sona Johnston and Katy Rothkopf, The Baltimore Museum of Art, 'Maryland Artists from the Collection, 1890-1970,' April 24-October 27, 2002.
Mint Museum of Art, "Southern Modern: 1913-1955". Georgia Museum of Art June 17, 2023- 12 December 2023. Circulated to Frist Art Museum, January 25, 2024- April 21, 2024.
The Baltimore Museum of Art. "Charles H. Walther: A Memorial Exhibition," May 14-28, inclusive. 1939.
The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, Maryland Hall, February 23 - May 23, 1956.
Schleisner Co., Baltimore, MD, November 4-13, 1957.
Sona Johnston and Katy Rothkopf, The Baltimore Museum of Art, 'Maryland Artists from the Collection, 1890-1970,' April 24-October 27, 2002.
Mint Museum of Art, "Southern Modern: 1913-1955". Georgia Museum of Art June 17, 2023- 12 December 2023. Circulated to Frist Art Museum, January 25, 2024- April 21, 2024.
Benskin, Elizabeth, and Suzy Wolffe. "The Art of Technology," Teacher's Guide to the American Collection. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Museum of Art, 2014, pages 74 and 80.
https://fristartmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/Southern-Modern-Educator-Guide-Images.pdf, first page of a museum guide for the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, TN.
Inscribed: Might be under current backing board: (obtained from object file) Typed label, upper top verso on frame: "EXPLANATION / This painting is an attempt at / automatic intuitive composition. / The reversal of this composition / upon its four sides, results in / four automatic changes in the / movements of its forms, moods and / its color dominants. Each position / is complete in itself." (artist's description)
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