Who painted Alarums and Excursions?

Alarums and Excursions was painted by Maxfield Parrish in 1899.

Where can I see Alarums and Excursions?

Alarums and Excursions is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Alarums and Excursions?

Alarums and Excursions is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Alarums and Excursions

Maxfield Parrish , 1899

Alarums and Excursions is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Maxfield Parrish. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1940.723
Credit line: Bequest of James Parmelee

About this work

Overview

Alarums and Excursions is a drawing by Maxfield Parrish, created for Kenneth Grahame’s 1899 children’s book, The Golden Age. It is one of nineteen illustrations Parrish designed for the publication.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a boy, immersed in a make-believe Arthurian fantasy, poised to strike a massive coiled serpent with his sword. The scene captures a moment of playful imagination, elevated to a dramatic, heroic scale.

Technique & Style

Parrish executed the piece using crisp, monochrome ink washes, strong linear contours, and accents of white gouache, notably on the boy’s chainmail. The result combines sharp edges with a luminous, stained glass-like effect, particularly in the deep blues and greens of the sky.

History & Provenance

Originally illustrated for The Golden Age in 1899, this work contributed to Parrish’s widespread recognition. It remains part of his early body of work that propelled his status as a prominent 20th-century illustrator.

Context

The illustration reflects the late 19th-century interest in Arthurian themes and imaginative play. Parrish’s use of chiaroscuro, evident in the interplay of light and dark, adds depth and drama, characteristic of his approach to capturing fantastical scenes.