Dies Irae 1925

Maxfield Parrish made this painting, Dies Irae, and it is unclear exactly when. I love how the colours are muted and mixed, giving it an otherworldly feel, like an old memory. The texture in the painting is so smooth, it’s as if Parrish wanted to hide the process. The paint is thin, almost translucent, allowing light to pass through and create a luminous effect. Look at the detail of the flag, that checkered pattern shimmers with a quiet energy. It’s these little moments of detail that makes the whole piece sing. Parrish reminds me of Edward Hopper, in that both artists create an aura of mystery. There’s no right or wrong way to see this work. Art is all about ambiguity and embracing the unknown.