The Three Graces
In 2009, one of Parkes' paintings, "The Three Graces", is repeatedly mentioned in Dan Brown's novel "The Lost Symbol". Parkes was interviewed for his interpretation of the symbolic use of his art in Brown's book by Daniel Burstein. Milliner Justin Smith has said his design for the horned headpiece worn by actress Angelina Jolie in the 2014 film Maleficent was inspired in part by Michael Parkes lithographs.