Description
This remarkable 1914 original print captures Maxfield Parrish at the height of his artistic mastery—a pivotal moment when American illustration transcended commercial art to achieve recognition in museums and galleries. Prince Codadad represents Parrish’s signature fusion of fantasy, orientalism, and luminescent color theory that defined a generation’s visual imagination.
Artist Context
Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966) was America’s most celebrated illustrator of the early 20th century, achieving fame unprecedented for commercial artists of his era. His meticulous tempera painting technique and obsessive color studies created a distinctive aesthetic that influenced American design for five decades. Parrish commanded extraordinary prices during his lifetime; original commissions regularly sold at auction for figures that rivaled fine art painters.
Work Significance & Composition
This print originates from Collier’s prestigious 1914 portfolio “American Art by American Artists”—a landmark publication that elevated commercial illustration to fine art status. The composition draws from the Arabian Nights tales, depicting Prince Codadad emerging from a golden veil of light, suspended between earth and sky. Parrish’s masterful use of atmospheric perspective and his proprietary tempera glazing technique create an almost supernatural luminosity—the hallmark of his most collectible work. The exotic subject matter reflects the broader Orientalist fascination of turn-of-the-century American aesthetics.
Historical & Cultural Context
The 1914 Collier’s portfolio marked a watershed moment in American cultural history: commercial illustrators were finally recognized as legitimate artists, worthy of museum acquisition and scholarly attention. This portfolio is exceedingly rare—most copies were dispersed through institutional collections or destroyed through decades of handling. Original prints from this series command premium prices at specialty auctions due to scarcity and Parrish’s enduring collectibility.
Condition & Presentation
Image dimensions: 9″ × 11″ (pristine)
Sheet dimensions: 12″ × 16.5″ (original publication sheet)
Condition: B-/B condition—shows minimal age-related toning consistent with 112 years of archival storage; edges show expected handling marks; no tears, folds, or restoration required.
Note: This print is offered unbaǐcked on the original sheet, preserving provenance integrity and allowing professional mounting to collector specifications.
TRUST DIFFERENTIATORS
✓ Certified authentic original — verified from documented Collier’s 1914 portfolio archive; authenticated with Certificate of Authenticity
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.