Mermaid+Art



A Mermaid, by John William Waterhouse, 1900. Oil on canvas

 Waterhouse’s 1900 painting shows a beautiful young mermaid, sitting on a shoreline with her tail wrapped around her, combing her long hair. The mermaid appears to be singing, as her mouth is open, and she is gazing into the distance with her lovely blue eyes. This mermaid represents the typical European mermaid as depicted in many folktales, stunning features, beautiful long hair, and the suggestion of her as an enchanting songstress; it also features the all important magical comb. John Waterhouse was known for his paintings which depicted famous literary and mythical figures, and was a part of the pre-raphaelite movement of artists in the early 20th century. It is thought that Waterhouse’s painting is based on the poem, “The Mermaid” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

For more information on this beautiful work of art, click on the painting to go to the Royal Academy of Arts, London website.