Parrish, Stephen, 1846-1938

Stephen Parrish was a well known etcher and oil painter. He was born into a Quaker family in Philadelphia, PA, the son of a successful businessman and apothecary. Parrish, despite his Quaker background, was keenly interested in art from an early age and his rather stern parents seemed not to prevent this interest from developing. Parrish married Elizabeth Bancroft in 1869 and in 1870 their only son, Frederick, was born. Parrish operated a stationery store from 1870 until 1877 when he decided to commit himself to painting full time. Taking lessons from an unidentified teacher, Parrish did only 33 paintings in two years, prompting him to change tack to etching. In 1879, he produced his first plate for an etching. During the next ten years Parrish became one of the top etchers in America. Parrish worked as an etcher through the 1880s and when the popularity of etching slackened, returned to painting. At this time Parrish had an independent income. In 1894, he and his family moved to Cornish, NH. Parrish painted until a stroke forced him to retire for good.

Father of Maxfield Parrish.

Illustrator, printmaker.

Father of illustrator, Maxfield Parrish.