Maxfield Parrish Daybreak Print Value Guide

Maxfield Parrish's Daybreak is a cornerstone of American Golden Age illustration, famously becoming the most popular art print of the 20th century. These vintage lithographs are prized for their luminous 'Parrish Blue' tones and romanticized landscapes that brought high-art aesthetics into middle-class 1920s homes.

What Is Maxfield Parrish Daybreak Print Worth?

The typical price range for Maxfield Parrish Daybreak Print is $300 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Color preservation is critical, as the signature luminous blues and peach dawn skies are prone to fading from UV exposure.
• The presence of the original House of Art label or backing paper significantly increases the item's provenance and market value.
• Physical condition of the paper, specifically the absence of foxing, water stains, or 'mat burn' from acidic framing materials.
• Overall size and frame quality, with larger format prints in original period-correct frames commanding prices toward the $900 range.

How to Identify Maxfield Parrish Daybreak Print?

• Check for the 'House of Art, N.Y.' publisher mark typically located in the lower left or right corner.
• Examine the ink under magnification; authentic period lithographs show a distinct, high-quality stippled texture rather than modern digital dots.
• Verify the signature 'Maxfield Parrish' printed within the image, often accompanied by the original copyright date.
• Look for original 1920s-1940s period frames, which often feature ornate wood molding or metallic finishes consistent with the era.

History of Maxfield Parrish Daybreak Print

Maxfield Parrish was an early 20th century American illustrator known for richly saturated, idealized landscapes. His popular image Daybreak was widely reproduced by publishers such as The House of Art and as framed lithographs for home decor throughout the 1920s–1940s. These commercial lithographs brought Parrish's glowing blues and peach dawn skies into middle class interiors and remain sought after by collectors of Golden Age illustration.