Ornament with Siren and Triton
1513
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1513
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This print shows a strange, swirling scene with two half-human figures. One looks like a woman with a fish tail (a mermaid) and the other like a man with a fish tail (a merman). They’re tangled around a tall, flaming candleholder, holding up tools like trumpets and a spear. The edges are filled with twisting vines and small animals. The mermaid and merman are often linked to myths about luring sailors. This print was made by a German artist who worked with metal engravings. Look up Daniel Hopfer to see more of his detailed, weird prints.
