kneeling merman, unknown maker from Europe

Artwork Overview

kneeling merman , 1800s
Where object was made: Europe
Material/technique: bronze
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 2 3/4 x 2 x 1 1/2 in
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 7.3 x 5 x 3.9 cm
Credit line: Gift from the Edward A. and Inge Maser Collection
Accession number: 2008.0275
Not on display

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Images

Label texts

This young merman has been cast with missing arms and a strong facial expression. Stories of mermen appear in many cultures, from Babylonian lore to Greek and Finnish mythology. Mermen are sometimes described as helpers of the sea who ensure the safe arrival of boaters, while other times they are depicted as ugly, stinky, and drunken boat-wreckers.

Exhibitions

Kris Ercums, curator
Kate Meyer, curator
2013–2015
Kris Ercums, curator
Kate Meyer, curator
2016–2021