In 60 seconds: Waterhouse's ‘A Mermaid’

By Tiffany Greenoak

Published on 2 February 2021

Spend 60 seconds exploring the dark mythology behind John William Waterhouse RA’s ‘A Mermaid’.

Learn about the dangerous enchantresses who lured sailors to watery graves. Possibly inspired by Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem ‘The Mermaid’ (1830), the painting depicts unsatisfied desires with gentle melancholy.

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In 60 seconds: Waterhouse's ‘A Mermaid’

This content is hosted on Vimeo

Support the RA

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