#45622 Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901)

The painting presents a melancholic scene centered around a mermaid figure reclining on a rocky outcrop that appears to be emerging from water. The composition is dominated by cool tones – blues and greens – which contribute to a somber atmosphere. A dark background obscures the horizon, intensifying the focus on the central subject.
Here we see the mermaid’s upper body rendered with considerable detail; her skin possesses a pale luminosity contrasting with the darker hues of her scaled tail and flowing red hair. Her expression is one of profound sadness or introspection, conveyed through downturned eyes and a subtly furrowed brow. One arm extends forward, as if reaching for something just beyond grasp, while the other rests languidly on the rock.
A group of seabirds perch precariously on the rocky ledge behind her, their dark forms adding to the overall sense of isolation and vulnerability. Their presence might be interpreted as a symbol of nature’s indifference or perhaps even a silent audience to the mermaids sorrow. The artist has paid close attention to the texture of the water, depicting it with swirling brushstrokes that suggest both movement and depth.
The lower portion of the painting reveals more of the mermaid’s tail and the submerged rock formation, further emphasizing her connection to the aquatic realm. A subtle reflection in the water mirrors the scene above, creating a sense of duality and perhaps hinting at an underlying psychological complexity. The overall effect is one of longing, loss, and a poignant contemplation of the boundaries between human emotion and the natural world.