Maxfield Parrish

Date of Birth: July 25, 1870

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 30, 1966

Biography

Maxfield Parrish, born Frederick Parrish on July 25, 1870, was an iconic American painter and illustrator renowned for his distinctive saturated hues and idealized neo-classical imagery. Parrish’s career spanned over five decades, during which he produced a vast array of paintings, illustrations, and murals that captivated the American public. His work was characterized by luminous colors, often achieved through a painstaking glazing technique that involved applying layers of oil and varnish. Parrish’s early life was steeped in art, influenced heavily by his father, Stephen Parrish, a well-known etcher and painter. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later at Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry. His illustrations graced the covers of magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Scribner’s, and Collier’s. He also illustrated numerous books, including classics such as “Arabian Nights” and “The Golden Age.” One of Parrish’s most famous works, “Daybreak,” created in 1922, became an iconic image, often cited as one of the most reproduced art prints of the 20th century. Despite his commercial success, Parrish eventually retired from illustration to focus on more personal fine art pursuits. He passed away on March 30, 1966, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire artists and illustrators to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Maxfield Parrish

1. Maxfield Parrish’s “Daybreak” is one of the most reproduced art prints of the 20th century.

2. He achieved his distinctive luminous colors through a glazing technique with layers of oil and varnish.

3. Parrish initially studied architecture at Haverford College before turning to art.

4. He illustrated over 100 covers for popular magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Collier’s.

5. Parrish’s influence extended to advertising, with his work being used in advertisements for companies like General Electric and Edison-Mazda Lamps.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maxfield Parrish

1. “I am fairly sure that no one ever went to the scaffold for having painted the sky blue.”

2. “There are two things in the world that I have a great love for: nature and art.”

3. “Art is a rescue from the dullness of life.”

4. “You don’t fit into the world you create, you create the world that fits into you.”

5. “If I were to paint a picture of a rose, I would want to paint it as it is, not as others see it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Maxfield Parrish amassed an estimated net worth of $1 million, which would be equivalent to around $15 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Maxfield Parrish and his wife, Lydia Ambler Austin, had four children: 1. John Dillwyn Parrish 2. Maxfield Parrish Jr. 3. Stephen Parrish 4. Jean Parrish