A Mermaid
John William Waterhouse · 1900
Why it's great
A mermaid with red hair sits on a rock by the sea, combing her hair, as the water laps around her. Waterhouse painted her with a pearly glow. The sparkle on the waves and the tail are delicate. It's a beloved painting of a creature of fairy tales.
👀 Look closer!
Look at the mermaid's tail and hair. What colors did the artist use?
Where to see it
📍 Royal Academy of ArtsLondon, United Kingdom
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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John William Waterhouse was born in Rome to English parents and later lived in London. He painted women from myths and legends — such as the Lady of Shalott and sirens — in lush, colorful detail. He admired the Pre-Raphaelites, who came before him. He died in London in 1917.
