The artwork titled “A Mermaid,” created by John William Waterhouse in 1900, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Romanticism movement. It measures 96.52 by 66.68 centimeters and is classified as a literary painting. The artwork is currently housed in the Royal Academy of Arts in London, United Kingdom.
In the artwork, a mermaid is depicted seated on a rocky shore, engrossed in combing her long, flowing hair. Her serene expression and the detailed rendering of her scales and hair emphasize the mythical and enchanting nature of the scene. The background features rugged cliffs and dark waters, with hints of light coming through the openings, creating a dramatic and somewhat mysterious atmosphere. The artist’s delicate brushwork and attention to detail are evident in the realistic portrayal of the mermaid’s form and the surrounding natural elements, effectively capturing the essence of romantic and literary themes.