10/04/2026
For centuries, mermaids have captured the imagination of artists, writers, and explorers alike.
John William Waterhouse RA was drawn to the sinister side of mermaid mythology, depicting a siren who lures sailors to their deaths through her captivating song.
In his 1900 painting, A Mermaid, Waterhouse’s siren sits alone in an isolated inlet, dreamily combing out her long hair with her lips parted in song.
Beside her is a shell filled with pearls, which some believed to be formed from the tears of dead sailors.
‘A Mermaid’ is back on display, for free, at the RA 🧜♀️