Mermaid

Mermaid , mid 1800s

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: wood; polychromy; gilding

Dimensions:
Object Length (Length): 140 cm
Object Length (Length): 55 1/8 in

Credit line: Museum purchase

Accession number: 1962.0003

On display: Simons Gallery

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Soundings: Making Culture at Sea

In seafaring towns, ship chandler’s shops sold all the supplies required to go to sea, from rope and sailcloth to tools and cabin necessities. This carved mermaid would have hung outside a shop door as a fanciful sign advertising the store’s purpose. The gold paint still visible on its scales would have glinted in the sunlight, enticing passersby to enter. The artisan who made it likely also crafted ship figureheads.