Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is still under copyright. Maxfield Parrish died in 1966; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2036. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.
In context
Hermes — Maxfield Parrish
Row above: the year. Row below: the artist's age in that year.
Shaded: the lifetime of Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966)
First works: up to 1902 Main working years: 1902–1924 Late works: from 1924
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell.
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wikioo.org/en/art/similar/maxfield-parrish-hermes-8BWUTL-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Walnut #84302a
Catalogued palette
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 45.1% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 294 works by this artist, of which 73 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank.
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Philadelphia, United States of America
Born Frederick Maxfield Parrish in 1870, amidst the burgeoning artistic landscape of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this American painter and illustrator would come to define a unique aesthetic that captivated generations. From his earliest years, encouraged by parents who themselves were artists – Stephen Parrish, a respected painter and etcher, and Elizabeth Bancroft – young Frederick displayed an innate talent for drawing. A pivotal European tour with his parents in 1884 ignited a lifelong passion, exposing him to the architectural grandeur and masterful paintings of the Old World. It was during this period that he adopted “Maxfield” as his preferred name, embracing his paternal grandmother’s maiden name and foreshadowing the distinctive identity he would forge within the art world. His formal training began at Haverford College, followed by studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under Robert Vonnoh and Thomas Pollock Anshutz, and later at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science & Industry where he benefited from the guidance of Howard Pyle. These foundational experiences shaped his technical skills but did little to contain the burgeoning originality that would soon define his style.
Parrish’s career blossomed during what is often remembered as the Golden Age of American illustration, and he quickly became a dominant force within it. Initially working primarily in black and white, he soon mastered color, developing an innovative glazing technique that allowed him to achieve unparalleled luminosity and depth. His early work graced the pages of prominent magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Scribner's Magazine, and Collier’s, establishing his reputation for romanticized scenes and meticulous detail. He wasn’t merely illustrating stories; he was crafting worlds—fantastical landscapes populated by idealized figures bathed in an otherworldly glow. This period saw him producing nearly 900 pieces of art, encompassing calendars, greeting cards, and magazine covers, each bearing the hallmarks of his evolving style. By 1910, Parrish’s success was substantial, earning over $100,000 annually—a testament to the public's insatiable appetite for his work. A significant commission in that year involved creating eighteen panels for the Girls Dining Room of the Curtis Publishing Company building, a project that would occupy him for six years and culminate in the creation of The Dream Garden, a breathtaking favrile glass mosaic mural now housed within the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. This marked a turning point, signaling his transition from purely commercial illustration towards more ambitious artistic endeavors.
Maxfield Parrish’s art is instantly recognizable for its vibrant color palette, most notably his signature “Parrish Blue”—a unique shade achieved through layers of glazing that evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and tranquility. But his artistry extended beyond mere coloration. He employed innovative techniques like projecting images onto canvases to ensure accuracy and utilized geometric patterns to create a three-dimensional effect, lending depth and realism to his fantastical scenes. His subjects often featured androgynous nudes set within dreamlike landscapes, imbued with a sense of mystery and allure. While influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites and the Neo-Classical movement, Parrish’s style was distinctly his own—a blend of meticulous detail, vibrant color, and imaginative composition that defied easy categorization. He wasn't simply painting what he saw; he was constructing idealized visions, offering viewers an escape into a world of beauty and enchantment. His work resonated deeply with the public, becoming synonymous with a particular vision of American optimism and escapism during the early 20th century.
Maxfield Parrish’s impact on American visual arts is undeniable. He not only elevated illustration to an art form but also influenced generations of artists, designers, and illustrators. His work bridged the gap between fine art and commercial design, demonstrating that beauty and artistry could coexist within a commercially viable framework. Daybreak (1923), perhaps his most iconic creation, became one of the most successful art prints of the 20th century, solidifying his place in popular culture. Even beyond the realm of painting, his aesthetic influenced fashion—a clothing brand was named after him—and continues to inspire contemporary artists today. Though he passed away in 1966, Maxfield Parrish’s luminous landscapes and idealized figures continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of a time when art offered not just representation but also an invitation to dream. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of imagination, technical skill, and the enduring appeal of beauty itself.
Throughout his career, Maxfield Parrish engaged with a vibrant artistic community. He shared connections with artists like George Hand Wright, an American painter and illustrator known for his landscapes, and Winslow Homer, whose depictions of rural life and maritime scenes resonated with Parrish’s own appreciation for the natural world. Exploring the works of these contemporaries provides valuable context for understanding the broader artistic currents that shaped Parrish's vision.
George Hand Wright: An American painter and illustrator.
Winslow Homer: Known for paintings like Fox Hunt (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts).
To delve deeper into the world of Maxfield Parrish, resources abound. His artwork can be explored at AllPaintingsStore.com, offering a comprehensive collection of his creations. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts also provides valuable insights into his life and work. Further research through sources like Wikipedia and the Smithsonian American Art Museum reveals the breadth of his influence and enduring legacy.
wikioo.org/en/art/download/maxfield-parrish-hermes-8BWUTL-en/
Look closely
Hermes — Maxfield Parrish
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The color of "Hermes" is balanced soft in saturation and balanced in intensity.
The artist behind "Hermes" is Maxfield Parrish. The work is catalogued under Maxfield Parrish's name.
To get a print of "Hermes" by Maxfield Parrish, simply order it on this page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.
"Hermes" by Maxfield Parrish is still protected by copyright. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Maxfield Parrish died in 1966.
You can order a hand-painted reproduction of "Hermes" by Maxfield Parrish directly on this page: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, made to order.
The palette of "Hermes" is balanced soft in saturation.
The color that stands out most in "Hermes" is walnut (#84302a). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.