Mermaid and Faun, the beginning of the twentieth century. Corners Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The composition presents a mythological encounter between a mermaid and a faun within a coastal landscape. The mermaid occupies the left portion of the scene, reclining on a rocky outcrop that emerges from the water. Her posture is one of expectant observation; her gaze directed towards the faun situated on a higher, more substantial rock formation to the right. The artist rendered her skin with a pale, almost translucent quality, contrasting with the darker tones of her long, flowing hair which cascades down her shoulders and merges into a scaled tail partially submerged in the water.
The faun is positioned atop a pile of rocks, his body angled slightly towards the mermaid. He holds a lyre across his lap, though he does not appear to be playing it. His expression conveys a mixture of curiosity and perhaps a touch of apprehension as he returns her gaze. The artist has emphasized his youthful features and the slight curl of his hair, contributing to an overall impression of vulnerability.
The background is dominated by a pale sky and a distant horizon line suggesting open water. The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of blues, greens, and earthy tones, which reinforces the sense of a secluded, dreamlike environment. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, adding to the paintings atmospheric quality.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of longing, desire, and the boundaries between human and natural realms. The mermaid, as a creature of myth and legend, embodies an unattainable ideal – beauty, mystery, and freedom from earthly constraints. The faun, representing a connection to the wildness of nature, appears hesitant yet drawn to this alluring figure. Their interaction suggests a potential for connection but also highlights the inherent distance between their worlds. The lyre held by the faun hints at artistic expression and perhaps an attempt to bridge the gap through music or creative endeavor.
The composition’s arrangement – the mermaid on a lower plane, the faun elevated – implies a power dynamic, though it remains ambiguous whether this represents dominance or simply reflects their differing positions within the landscape. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and unspoken yearning, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of desire and the elusive pursuit of connection across disparate realms.