- 64
Maxfield Parrish
Estimate
350,000 - 450,000 USD
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Description
- Maxfield Parrish
- The Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- signed with initials M P (lower left)
- oil on paper mounted on board by the artist
- 19 by 16 inches
- (48.3 by 40.6 cm)
- Painted in 1905.
Provenance
American Illustrators Gallery, New York
Private collection, 2005 (acquired from the above; sold: Christie's, New York, May 20, 2010, lot 105, illustrated)
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale
Private collection, 2005 (acquired from the above; sold: Christie's, New York, May 20, 2010, lot 105, illustrated)
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale
Literature
Collier's, July 1, 1905, illustrated on the cover
Coy Ludwig, Maxfield Parrish, New York, 1973, no. 401, p. 208 (as Independent Number)
Paul W. Skeeters, Maxfield Parrish: The Early Years 1893-1930, Secaucus, New Jersey, 1973, illustrated p. 321
Erwin Flacks, Identification and Price Guide of Maxfield Parrish, Portland, Oregon, 2007, p. 129
Coy Ludwig, Maxfield Parrish, New York, 1973, no. 401, p. 208 (as Independent Number)
Paul W. Skeeters, Maxfield Parrish: The Early Years 1893-1930, Secaucus, New Jersey, 1973, illustrated p. 321
Erwin Flacks, Identification and Price Guide of Maxfield Parrish, Portland, Oregon, 2007, p. 129
Condition
This work is in very good condition. The work has been mounted on a secondary panel. There are original tack holes and some discoloration at the far edges. There are a few small losses at the edges and some paint separation in the cushions. Under UV: there is 1 possible touchup beneath the king's sleeve at center, otherwise appears fine.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Maxfield Parrish executed The Reading of Declaration of Independence for the July 1905 cover of Collier’s magazine, then one of the most popular publications in the United States. Parrish began his career in 1895 at age 25 as a commercial artist, painting images for advertisements, posters and book illustrations, in addition to magazine covers. Parrish became highly regarded in his profession and signed an exclusive 6-year contract with the publication in 1904. The agreement ensured him a fee of $1,250 a month and he retained ownership of all the original paintings used as cover images. In addition to providing financial stability, this arrangement also proved beneficial for Parrish artistically, as the requirement to create within the bounds of the magazine's particular format challenged the limits of his creativity. Parrish’s beautifully detailed and delightful image of King George III of England reading the Declaration of Independence exemplifies the compelling style and content Parrish applied to his most successful commercial endeavors.