Daybreak (painting)

Daybreak is a painting by American artist Maxfield Parrish made in 1922. "Daybreak" is regarded as the most popular art print of the 20th century, based on number of prints made: one for every four American homes. According to the National Museum of American Illustration, it has outsold Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans" and Da Vinci's "Last Supper". It is still in print.
Parrish referred to "Daybreak" as his "great painting", the epitome of his work.
Composition.
Measuring , the painting employs a formal layout similar to a stage set, with two feminine figures. Painted using preparatory photographs, the models were his regular models, Kitty Owen (granddaughter of William Jennings Bryan), Parrish's daughter Jean, and Susan Lewin. Only two figures appear in the completed painting, though pencil studies indicate that the artist originally intended a third near the righthand column. The composition is arranged on the principle of "dynamic symmetry" popularized by Jay Hambidge.
Record purchase price.
The painting has always been in private ownership. On May 25, 2006, "Daybreak" was purchased by a private collector (Mel Gibson's then-wife, Robyn) at auction at Christie's for US $7.6 million. This set a record price for a Parrish painting. It was sold again on May 21, 2010, for US$5.2 million.