'Maxfield Parrish, Master Of Make-Believe'

SAVANNAH, GA.

:A gifted and prolific artist, Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) created oil paintings, murals, book and calendar illustrations and advertisements, often based on photographs, that appealed to popular tastes of the period but were grounded on aesthetic considerations. One of the most enduringly popular American illustrators, he occupies a special niche in the history of America's culture.

In his work, Parrish combined a mastery of technique with full knowledge of rapid technological advances in color printing. His ability to utilize new, high-quality color printing processes facilitated mass dissemination of his often fantastical imagery. In producing works that were part illustration and part fine art - iconic images that appeal to this day - he defined a new role for graphic artists.

"Maxfield Parrish, Master of Make-Believe," a nationally touring exhibition, brings together a splendid selection of 80 of his finest works. Organized by the Trust for Museum Exhibitions in Washington, D.C., the show is curated by Parrish authority Alma Gilbert Smith, who wrote the essay in the useful, accompanying catalog.