Maxfield Parrish Paintings

Maxfield Parrish was an American painter and illustrator known for his distinctive saturated hues and idealized neo-classical imagery. Born Frederick Maxfield Parrish on July 25, 1870, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a creative environment, as his father, Stephen Parrish, was a successful etcher and landscape painter. He began drawing at a young age and later studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia before attending Haverford College.

Parrish’s early career was marked by his work for magazines and books, where he created cover art and illustrations that captured the public's imagination. He developed a unique style characterized by bright colors and enchanting landscapes, often incorporating figures from mythology and fantasy. One of his most famous magazine covers was for 'Harper's Bazaar,' and he also illustrated editions of classic tales such as 'The Arabian Nights' and 'The Knave of Hearts.'

During the height of his popularity, Parrish's work was highly sought after, and he became one of the most famous artists in America. His most iconic image, 'Daybreak' (1922), became one of the most popular art prints of the 20th century. The luminosity of his paintings was achieved through an intricate process that involved applying numerous layers of thin, transparent oil glazes, a technique that created an almost otherworldly glow.

Parrish also worked on numerous advertising campaigns and commissions, including the famous series of landscapes for the Edison Mazda Lamp Company. His art decorated an array of items from posters and calendars to greeting cards, cementing his presence in American popular culture.

Later in his career, Parrish shifted focus to landscapes without figures, which nonetheless retained his signature use of vibrant colors. Although his popularity waned with the advent of modernism, his work has since been reassessed, and he is now recognized as one of the foremost illustrators of the early 20th century.

Maxfield Parrish lived a long and productive life, continuing to paint well into his nineties. He passed away on March 30, 1966, at the age of 95 in Plainfield, New Hampshire, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the realms of fine art and illustration.