MAXFIELD PARRISH - THE LANTERN BEARERS, 1908

In this artwork, six individuals are portrayed as Pierrots, the comic pantomime characters from France. They are suspending paper lanterns from a tree, outlined against the sky. The figures are positioned on marble steps in a theatrical manner. The lanterns seem to glow against the evening sky, which is still lighter along the horizon.

Parrish employed a method referred to as “Parrish blue,” a unique hue of blue-green that became closely associated with his art. This signature color plays a significant role in this piece, contributing to the composition's ethereal atmosphere. He preferred using photographs as his primary technique for painting. Part of his approach involved capturing images of the models, which he would subsequently enlarge or project onto the artwork.

Parrish's artistic journey encompassed various styles, including painting, illustrations, and photography. He became widely renowned for his artwork featured in magazines like Scribner’s and Collier’s Weekly, highlighting his skill with light and color. Parrish’s unique style, full of luminous colors and unrealistic landscapes, set him apart from his peers and garnered him a reserve of admirers.

This artwork continues to captivate its observers with its magic and beauty, as well as its ongoing relevance today. Parrish’s light, hues, and arrangement delight audiences as they settle into this magical realm, a place of marvels overflowing with creativity and exploration. As one of the most renowned masterpieces, "The Lantern Bearers" stands as undeniable evidence that Parrish is a visionary artist whose creations continue to resonate today, inspiring and captivating art enthusiasts.