William Samual Parrott

(1844 - 1915)

Mount Hood over Lost Lake c. 1895; Oil on Canvas ; 42 1/4" x 60" ; Signed Lower Right ;
PROVENANCE: Larkspur Inn, Larkspur, CA ;
EXHIBITED: Portland Collects, Portland Art Museum : $ SOLD

William Samual Parrott was born in Missouri. He came with his family across the Oregon Trail in 1847. A self-taught artist, he specialized in romantic western scenes. In 1867 he moved from Goldendale Washington, to Portland where he opened a studio. He closed his Portland studio in 1887 and spent several years living an outdoors life in the wilds of Oregon, Washington, and California. He eventually located in Oakland CA. In 1911, his health began to fail so he returned to Klickitat County, where he continued to work until his death.

Parrott came from a family of artists. He had several brothers and sisters who were paitners. The painting which brought him into prominence was The Scene of the Massacre at the Lava Beds (Modoc War, 1874). The paintings was originally sold for $400.00. William Samual Parrott is considered, The Father of the Northwest Romantic Landscape Movement.