Maxfield Parrish

Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) was a renowned American painter and illustrator famous for his luminous, dream-like landscapes and fantastical scenes, characterized by his signature “Parrish Blue” and vibrant, saturated colors achieved through glazing techniques, becoming a household name through popular prints, book illustrations, and calendars, influencing artists from Surrealists to Pop artists. Born Frederick Parrish, he trained in architecture and art, notably under Howard Pyle, and achieved immense popularity in the early 20th century, with his works likeDaybreak becoming iconic, though his complex personal life included a long-term unconventional arrangement with his assistant,Sue Lewin.
Early Life & Education
  • Born: July 25, 1870, in Philadelphia, to Quaker parents; his father was painter Stephen Parrish.
  • Name: Changed from Frederick to Maxfield (his grandmother’s maiden name).
  • Studies: Attended Haverford College (architecture) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, influenced by Howard Pyle.
Artistic Style & Technique
  • Luminosity: 
    Achieved by layering thin, translucent glazes of oil paint over monochromatic underpaintings.
  • “Parrish Blue”: 
    His distinctive, saturated cobalt blue for skies and water became his trademark.
  • Themes: 
    Often featured idyllic, romanticized landscapes, classical figures, and fantasy worlds.
  • Process: 
    Used photography and projection to create figures with precise drapery and distortion.
Career & Popularity
  • Early Success: 
    Became a prominent poster designer in the 1890s, winning a major competition for a Pope Bicycle poster.
  • Prolific Illustrator: 
    Created iconic book illustrations (e.g., Mother Goose) and designs for Colgate Soap and Edision Calenders, and magazines.
  • Peak Popularity: 
    By the 1920s, his prints were in one in four American homes, making him a household name alongside Van Gogh and Cezanne.
Personal Life
  • Marriage: 
    Married Lydia Austin, with whom he had children, but they became estranged.
  • Sue Lewin: 
    Hired as a nanny, she became his assistant, muse, and long-term companion for over 50 years, living with him in his studio.
Later Years & Legacy
  • Focus on Landscapes: 
    In later decades, he focused on landscapes, producing popular calendar art.
  • Death: 
    Died in 1966 at age 95, with his work experiencing a significant revival of interest.
 
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