MAXFIELD FREDERICK PARRISH (American 1870-1966). Clowns. Mixed media on paper. 18in. x 13in.. Provenance :Private collection...

Description

MAXFIELD FREDERICK PARRISH (American 1870-1966)
Clowns
Mixed media on paper
18in. x 13in.
Provenance :Private collection, San Francisco, CA; Vose Galleries, Boston, MA; American Illustrators Gallery, New York, NY
Back of frame features a handwritten note inscribed ' This painting is by Maxfield Parrish. It was bought by Walter Cope when MP was a student in Philadelphia and is reputed to be the first work that MP sold.'

Maxfield Parrish spent many of his formative years in Philadelphia including two years at Haverford College and art classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where he studied with Howard Pyle. From there, Parrish launched his career as an illustrator accepting various local commissions and his first national magazine cover for Harper's Bazaarin 1895.

During this early phase of his career he completed many commissions for posters and programs from local colleges including the Mask and Wig Club of the University of Pennsylvania, a regular client of Parrish and possible source for this work. His work from this period is typified by humorous caricatures of fanciful people often densely grouped in busy compositions. Jesters and clowns were popular subjects.

Clowns was originally sold to Philadelphia architect Walter Cope who was a great fan of things medieval and who designed many gothic style buildings including Blair Hall at Princeton and several buildings at Bryn Mawr College. It is possible that Parrish and Cope were acquainted from Parrish's architecture studies at Haverford.

Condition Report: Paper is somewhat discolored and there are a few darker spots in areas but the work is generally in very good condition (not examined out of frame).

Brian Roughton: No problem with authenticity. Condition as noted.


More information about Parrish, Maxfield. See also: Maxfield Parrish, Parrish, F. Maxfield, Parrish, Maxfield Frederick Artist.

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