Maxfield Parrish 1908 Lithograph "Pierrot's Serenade" from Collier's Magazine

 
This Maxfield Parrish Original composition, "Pierrot's Serenade" is an amazing lithograph published in 1908. It was printed by Dodge Publishing Co. for P. F. Collier & Sons and their popular magazine. It is one of the more sought-after and colorful creations of the famed illustrator's Collier's Magazine work. It is mounted in an Antique frame with simple double matting and measures about 13.75 inches high and 9.75 inches wide.



The print is in excellent condition. Its colors are crisp and vibrant with colors that are clean and framed in an original period frame. There is no foxing, tears or water-damage.



The composition is typical of Parrish's work, known for its idealized classical sentiment. It resonates with beautiful bold colors, with a close-up view of a personality, Pierrot, whose character has evolved over the years...

"Pierrot" is a stock male character in French pantomime, usually played as a sentimental lovesick youth with a sad white-painted face, a loose white costume with a neck ruff, and a pointed hat.

Pierrot the character derives from Pedrolino of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte. Pedrolino was originally a robust but simple-minded servant, the victim of pranks practiced by his fellow comedians. French playwrights and pantomimists transformed his character into a more complex individual throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries.

So in this wonderful illustration, Pierrot the clown is serenading in the sunset. He sits comfortably on the edge of a wall. His leg pulled up to support the instrument leaving his right shoe tucked inside his pant leg. The colors in this work are classic Parrish, rich and engaging.



Maxfield Parrish (July 25, 1870 – March 30, 1966) was an American painter and illustrator active in the first half of the 20th century. He is known for his distinctive saturated hues and idealized neo-classical imagery. 


This is a must-have for any Maxfield Parrish aficionado and has graced our entry foyer for many years.