Siren between Two Ships

Jacques Callot

1628

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Marine

About this work

This image shows a half-human, half-fish creature sitting in the water between two sailing ships. The creature has a woman’s upper body and a fish’s tail, holding a seashell to its ear. The ships are detailed with tall masts and flags, and the waves around them look choppy. The scene looks like a mix of myth and danger, with the creature almost singing or calling out. This style of blending human and animal forms was common in old stories about sirens. Next, look up etching to see how this print was made.