The Fountain of Pirene

In relation with my previous post, this is another painting analysis... by one of the most awesome painters I know, Maxfield Parrish

The Fountain of Pirene

Painted by Maxfield Parrish

                          

“The Fountain of Pirene” is the title of one of Maxfield Parrish’s myth paintings. It was created during the year 1907. It was made by using his famous blue color and glazing technique wherein bright layers of oil color separated by varnish are applied alternately over a base.

The painting has a three-dimensional effect. For the front, there were giant rocks to enclose the fountain of Pirene and two greek people talking. A mist also took effect. Two trees at the middle part – but the one at the right is closer to the viewers and has a different effect than that of the tree at the back. The back part shows a waterfall flowing non-stop from the top.

The form of art used here was painting, though a different way of doing it. The medium Parrish used here was oil and varnish. He also used the transparency of the photo and black graphite on the canvas so that he can trace the black portions of the photograph.

Different shapes and figures were used for this painting – the rocks, the waterfall etc. The axis of the painting is vertical due to the way he painted the tall trees and the flowing waterfall. Somehow, if the viewer will focus on the front only, it might be depicted as having a horizontal axis. The lines were soft for there is no really straight surface in the painting, more like, dots were used for the artwork.

The use of soft lines made the artwork look smooth, though at the same time, the use of dots for the last layer makes it look a bit rough. Here, dark colors were dominant than the bright but the way the bright colors were used makes it equal to the quantity of the dark. Also, the intensity of the painting is big because of the shading technique. Proper spacing was visible; everything has been filled and the picture is very calm yet there was no dull moment.

For schemes, Parrish used different tools. One, using a small palette knife, he proceeded to thin the paint to the proper transparency. Two, the glaze technique was applied by using a normal paintbrush creating shadows with the varnish. Three, he used a stipple brush to create smooth graduations between two colors. Four, he used a blotting paper for cliffs and rocks. Five, he frequently used cheesecloth which is for areas of glaze and to break up textures. Six, he used pencil knife for finer areas. This way of scheming was used layer after layer.

The place and time of the painting cannot be really determined for this is a Greek myth representation. It is a story about Pirene who became tears and turned to a fountain because of grief for her son’s death.

The most distinctive feature of this artwork is lighting and shading. Cool colors were used. It brings out the painting’s beauty. It also has a very nice flow of rhythm because of the way the water and the trees were painted.

Emphasis wasn’t really given to the main subject. Viewers might take the waterfall as the fountain because if a person looks at the painting, he/she will not look at what’s at the bottom but the middle. He/she will see the waterfall not the fountain. . The painting is very balanced: there were two people at the front right; a waterfall at left back; and trees on both sides. Harmony is very visible. The variety of the painting was shown: the rocks, the trees, the falls, the people. The movement is very relaxing and calm. It also has proportion, giving each object a chance to be noticed. Unity among the objects is very obvious when you look at the lighting effects. The way it was painted, makes it look realistic.

Maxfield Parrish basically created this painting for the purpose of illustrations. There was no hidden meaning behind this painting. It is only a representation of one Greek myth. Though it was also created to show the possible beauty of the fountain which was formed from Pirene herself and to show it’s use. It was originally a place for a Pegasus to drink but in the painting, humans were the ones there.

This is a magnificent painting! The possible criteria fitted for this is: Theme, Effect, Technique and Impact. With that, I give 9 points for his choice of topic; 10 points for the marvelous effect; 10 points for the most unique technique I’ve ever seen and 9 for the Impact.

I find this painting very attractive for it’s lighting. The way Parrish used his technique for this artwork was worth it. It can give a lasting effect to the viewers. The title of the work is perfect because it says it all. This painting is calm yet lively in some ways.

A wonderful artwork!