Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
One of America's most popular artists, Parrish was a pioneer in commercial and graphic art. A master illustrator, he was innovative in incorporating art in advertising. He is known for his signature vibrant blues, his choice of fantastical subjects, and capturing the spontaneity of action. He studied at the Pa. Academy of the Fine Arts and under Howard Pyle at Drexel. His Dream Garden mosaic here was created with Tiffany Studios in 1915.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Maxfield Parrish, trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and under illustrator Howard Pyle at Drexel, became one of the most popular American artists of the early 20th century. His luminous fantasy scenes and the deep 'Parrish blue' made him a pioneer in blending fine art with commercial illustration and advertising. In 1915 he collaborated with Tiffany Studios on the shimmering Dream Garden glass mosaic located here.
Why it matters
Parrish helped define the golden age of American illustration, proving that commercial and graphic art could reach mass audiences while achieving lasting artistic acclaim.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Congress Hallnearby · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hallnearby · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.1 mi away · PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.1 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Old City Hall0.1 mi away · Philadelphia
- Liberty Bell Center0.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- Liberty Bell0.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.2 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.3 mi away
Food & drink
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roastersnearby · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnutnearby · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.1 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- LaScala's0.1 mi away · 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.1 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.1 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.2 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.2 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.2 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.3 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Maxfield Parrish
- · Howard Pyle
Related events
- · Creation of the Dream Garden mosaic, 1915
Themes & tags
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