Ascending Betrayal
Date1985
Mediumacrylic on canvas
DimensionsFramed: 66 × 179 inches (167.6 × 454.7 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds provided by the Telfair Academy Guild.
Object number2001.25
Copyright© Estate of William Scharf.
The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextFor decades William Scharf worked in an abstract style influenced by the abstract expressionists and color-field painters of the New York School. His expressive forms and organic shapes are reminiscent of the surrealist works of Arshile Gorky, but the inherent dynamism of Scharf’s compositions, which incorporate personal symbols and vibrant color, distinguishes his individual style. Drawing upon history, myths, dream imagery, and poetry, his work invites multiple interpretations.
For nearly two decades, Scharf spent his summers working in a studio on Factor’s Walk overlooking the Savannah River. He said of his warehouse studio, “The important thing is that I work here uninterrupted… I’m here from sunup to sunset. I get… a lot of work done here. It’s an acutely important place for me.” The monumental Ascending Betrayal was completed during Scharf’s final summer in Savannah.
