The artwork titled “Sketch for A Mermaid” was created in 1892 by the renowned artist John William Waterhouse. This literary painting, executed in oil on canvas, measures 33.34 x 19.37 cm and belongs to the Romanticism art movement. Currently housed in a private collection, the work is a testament to Waterhouse’s skill and imaginative interpretation.
In the artwork, a mermaid is depicted seated by the edge of the sea, her gaze directed pensively towards the water. She has long, flowing hair which she appears to be combing with her fingers. The scene captures the natural beauty of the seascape with the gentle waves and rocks surrounding the mermaid. The colors are soft yet vivid, enhancing the romantic and mythical atmosphere inherent in the Romanticism movement. The composition and the ethereal quality of the mermaid evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue, inviting viewers into a world of fantasy and storytelling.