A Mermaid 1900 by John William - 2.5oz Silver Coin 10000 Francs CFA Chad 2024
John William Waterhouse’s painting of “A Mermaid” in 1900, captures the enchanting allure and beauty of the mythical sea creature through vivid colors, meticulous details and ability to evoke emotion through his work. Through this work, Waterhouse creates an image that evokes the sense of longing, desire and the eternal quest for connection.
The artwork depicts a mermaid sitting on a rocky outcrop, with her flowing hair cascading down her shoulders and mingling with the ocean waves. The intricate scales on the mermaid’s tail allows for the reflection of light, creating a sense of movement on the shimmering tail. The mermaid’s serene gaze toward the horizon suggests the yearn for a connection with the world above the waves, while simultaneously remaining rooted in her aquatic domain. The rich colors used on the rolling waves in the background further enhances the dreamy atmosphere, allowing viewers to focus on the central figure.
Similar to how mermaids in art and literature are often portrayed, Waterhouse’s artwork captures the figure who symbolizes temptation and the allure of the unknown. While the positioning of the mermaid suggests vulnerability, she is also a creature of power and embodies the concept of perilous beauty. Moreover, the painting could also be interpreted as the struggles of the female spirit, particularly in the context of the Edwardian era then, when women were increasingly seeking autonomy and expression. The mermaid’s longing gaze reflects the desire for freedom and a connection to life beyond the sea.
The masterful blend of beauty, mythology, and emotion in this painting was created through Waterhouse’s skillful use of color, composition, and details. The painting stands as a testament to the enduring allure of mermaids in art, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between the seen and the unseen, the known and the mysterious.
On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.