Mermaid / Basile / Folklore
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Mermaid / Basile / Folklore
THE TWO CAKES Mariella on the sea-shore
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 599793
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10135507
Basile Folk Lore Mermaid Shore C1630
EDITORS COMMENTS
This enchanting image, titled "The Two Cakes: Mariella on the Sea-Shore" by an unknown artist, dates back to the early 17th century and is a captivating representation of the mermaid folklore that has fascinated humans for centuries. The scene depicts Mariella, a mermaid, sitting on a rocky shore, her lower body transformed into the tail of a fish, while her upper body displays the features of a beautiful woman. She is seen holding two cakes in her hands, a common motif in European mermaid tales, believed to represent the sustenance she requires to survive both in the water and on land. Mermaid folklore has its roots in ancient civilizations, with tales of mermaids appearing in the mythologies of various cultures, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse. These mythical beings were often depicted as seductive and alluring, luring sailors to their deaths with their enchanting songs. This print, published around 1630, is a testament to the enduring popularity of mermaid stories during this period. The intricate details of Mariella's flowing hair, delicate features, and the texture of the cakes in her hands, all suggest the skillful hand of a master printmaker. The background, with its rocky shoreline, crashing waves, and seagulls in flight, adds to the sense of mystery and wonder that surrounds Mariella and her world. This historical print is not only a beautiful work of art but also a window into the rich folklore and storytelling traditions of the past. It invites us to explore the depths of the sea and the stories that lie beneath, and to appreciate the enduring allure of the mermaid myth.
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