Parrish, Stephen, 1846-1938

Dates

• Existence: 1846 - 1938

Biography

Stephen Parrish was born July 9, 1846, in Philadelphia. After traveling to Europe in 1867, he returned to the US determined to be an artist. However, after his marriage to Elizabeth Bancroft in 1869, and the birth of his son Frederick, he opened a stationary store, painting only on the side. In 1877, he sold the store to pursue a full time career as an artist. Although he was a competent painter, Stephen Parrish is best remembered for his etchings. He began taking lessons in 1879, and within a few years, was recognized as one of the foremost etching artists in America. Parrish took his family to Europe from 1884-1886, in search of new material. Upon their return, Mrs. Parrish's health was delicate and they decided to move to Cornish, New Hampshire. In 1893, he began construction of his new home, "Northcote," and laid out an extensive garden. For the next few years he was primarily occupied with landscaping. He began painting again in 1903, most often selling his paintings directly from the easel to visiting friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Parrish moved permanently to California in 1905, to join a small religious community. Stephen Parrish remained in Cornish, although he often traveled during the winters. He suffered a stroke in 1929, which left him partly paralyzed and ended his painting career. He died in 1938.

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