Art & Architecture

A chronological stroll through the ages in the growing gallery of the merfolk...

- 500AD

Phoenician relief from the Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad c. 700BC (Louvre)

The Babylonians were known to have worshipped a sea-god called Oannes, or Ea.  Oannes was reputed to have risen from the Erythrean Sea and taught to man the arts and sciences.  In the Louvre today can be seen an eighth century wall-scene depicting Oannes as a merman, with the fish-like tail and the upper body of a man.  The merman figure can be seen in the upper right corner, look closely, it’s very old!  Discovered by Paul Emile Botta & illustrated in his Monument de Niniveh (Paris 1849-1859).

Black figure vase, c. 540BC

The typical Greek potter’s floral pattern and the triton motif are demonstrated beautifully in this vase.  It was believed to have been made by an immigrant Ionian in Etruria. A detail can be seen below.

 

Black & white floor mosaic from the Baths of Neptune, Ostia, c. 140AD
This mosaic of Neptune surrounded by his sea dwelling minions was found in room 4. From SO IV, Tav. CXXIV (see plan below).  This is an excellent example of a typical Roman triton motif often found in bathroom and fountain mosaics.

 

500AD – 1800AD

Stoneware ewer in the shape of a mermaid, 10-11th Century Liao dynasty China.  British Museum, OA 1937.7-16.69

 

1800AD -

Triton and Nereid, Arnold Böcklin, 1875

Triton and Nereid, Arnold Böcklin, 1875

Triton and Nereid, Arnold Böcklin, 1877

In the Play of the Waves, Arnold Böcklin, 1883

In the Sea, Arnold Böcklin, 1883

Mermaids at Play, Arnold Böcklin, 1886

Calm Sea, Arnold Böcklin, 1886-7

Arnold Böcklin (16 October 1827 – 16 January 1901) was a symbolist painter and one of my favourite painters of merfolk.

Hylas and the Nymphs, John Waterhouse, 1896

John William Waterhouse (1849 - 10 February 1917) is one of the most recognised Pre-Raphaelite painters and also one of my favourite painters of merfolk.

The Siren, John Waterhouse, 1900, Oil on canvas (Private collection; Bridgeman Art Library)

A Mermaid, John Waterhouse, 1901

The Little Mermaid sculpture inspired by Hans Christian Anderson, made by Edvard Eriksen,1913.

Collective Invention, Rene Magritte, 1934

Nymphs Bathing, Paul Delvaux, 1938 (Nellens Collection - Brussels)

Valley of the Mermaids, Paul Delvaux, 1942 (The Art Institute of Chicago)

Figure of mermaid with seal by Marguerite Mahood, 1947, glazed earthenware Modelled  Accn No: NGA 79.2682

Song of Love, Rene Magritte 1964