Maxfield Parrish

(American, 1870–1966)

Wond'rous Wise Man, 1897

pen and ink with pasted overlay on paper

Initialed M.P. (lower left center)

13 3/4 x 11 1/4 in. (34.9 x 28.6 cm)

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

Maxfield Parrish

L. Frank Baum

Thence by descent to his son, Harry Neil Baum

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller, purchased from above

Exhibited

American Federation of Arts, Maxfield Parrish: 1870-1966; June 19, 1999-August 6, 2000, no. 269

American Illustrators Gallery, New York, no date

Brandywine River Museum, Maxfield Parrish: Master of Make-Believe; May 31-September 2, 1974, cat no. 109

Literature

Frank Baum, Mother Goose in Prose, Way and Williams, Chicago, 1897, illustrated facing p. 92

Note

An original drawing from Parrish's first illustrated book and Baum's first children's book. Of the book's 12 original illustrations, this is one of only five seemingly still extant.

Justin Schiller: "Harry Baum in retirement with his wife Brenda opened the Wizard of Oz Lodge for vacationers near Lake Michigan. The Oz club that I had founded (in 1957) began holding its annual conventions there beginning in 1964. Harry had inherited the Parrish drawing from his father and it hung in the Oz Lodge living room, long admired by all who saw it. As I was (at the time) the only professional bookseller there I spoke to him about letting me sell some of his collection and he agreed. The Parrish drawing I told him I wanted for myself and in appreciation for my efforts in starting the Oz Club in remembrance of his father, he allowed me the opportunity to purchase it personally. This was in 1967 and it has remained in my collection as a 'treasure' since then—for more than half a century."

Wond'rous Wise Man, 1897