Maxfield Parrish

by Alma M. Gilbert

Maxfield Parrish, Master of Make-Believe describes the life and popularity of this famous early twentieth-century American artist. This beautifully illustrated catalogue includes all types of Parrish's work, from his sumptuous murals to his fun and lively works based on Mother Goose's fairytales. The works included come from collections all over the United States, including museums like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where Parrish studied, as well as private collectors who have been persuaded to part with their treasures in order to give the artist the exposure that he deserves. Readers unfamiliar with Parrish's name will find an artist with an extraordinary talent for using colours, as well as an ability to create fantastical worlds, for children and adults. "I am hopelessly commonplace, I don't know what people see in me!", the artist once commented in his standard low-key delivery. What we see is an artist who still believes in beautiful places of gorgeous imagery executed in masterful realism based on imagination, talent and execution for its concept. Maxfield Parrish's art is instantly accessible and real. The book accompanies an exhibition by the same name organised by the Trust for Museum Exhibitions, Washington, DC.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

136 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2005

Reviews

[Dennis Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of fine images and explanatory text at an affordable price.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxfield Parrish is not as well-known now as he was during his heyday, but he is one of my favorite artists. This is a catalogue written to go with an exhibition. I don't think the text is extremely well-written, but the point of the book is to delve into the gorgeous reproductions, anyway. And they are gorgeous. Parrish's use of color and drawing skills were amazing and I was inspired just looking.

[Fostergrants · Rating 2 out of 5]

i got this more for the images than the story. if you're looking for story this has chapters regarding his models and life etc. if you're getting it for the images keep moving. i was disappointed in the quality of the book itself, like the pictures were really washed out and not vibrant and the book left out some of my favorites. the wall calandar i got on sale after new year's had a better selection and the images were beautiful and bright. wait for the exhibit to visit your local museum.

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxfield Parrish has always bee a favorite of mine, but I knew little about him. I found this book remandered at B&N and grabbed it up for a few dollars. I found it a good intro to Parissh's work. As another review wrote, the text could be better, but it's certainly not bad. I haven't see. I didn't see anythng wrong with the reproduct5ions, but6 I've not seen the original work either. I love having this book now to revisit the art.