TidesNet—Online Collections Entry Detail

DescriptionA large etching (11 3/4”/29.9 cm x 18 3/4”/47.6 cm) by American artist, Stephen Parrish (1846-1938) called “Low Tide, Bay of Fundy.” It dates to 1882. In his 1886 book Etching in America, J.R.W. Hitchcock wrote, "Nothing that Mr. Parrish has done, however, seems to be more vigorous than his 'Low Tide, Bay of Fundy.' With the strong lines of stranded vessels outstanding against a brilliant sky, balanced by quaint houses on the shore, and with another touch added in the expressive figures on the beach.” Parrish was born in Philadelphia into a wealthy Quaker family. In his early 20s he spent several months travelling through Europe and it was during these travels that he discovered his love for art. Until then, Parrish’s primary work was in the coal industry and later he owned a stationary store. In 1878 he attended the Pennsylvania Academy in Philadelphia and the following year the National Academy in New York City. He soon turned his attention to etching. In the summer of 1881, Parrish and fellow American etcher, Charles Platt, traveled through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia sketching the coastal and interior scenes along the way. The two artists were much taken by what they saw. Parrish created a number of preliminary sketches that he later turned into a series of etchings. Parish was the father of Maxfield Parrish. “Low Tide, Bay of Fundy" is one of several etchings of the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley by Parrish in the collections of the Tides Institute along with a painting by Parrish of a northeastern landsacpe. The institute also has several etchings by Charles Platt of the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley area. Artist: Stephen Parrish Medium: Etching Classification: Prints Circa: 1881 Old Accession Number: 126