The Siren (1901), by J.W. WaterhouseCompared to “Ulysses and the Sirens” painted in 1891

The Siren (1901), by J.W. Waterhouse

Compared to “Ulysses and the Sirens” painted in 1891, the siren shown here is a much more humanlike creature.  Only at the very end of her legs some scales are visible to show that she actually belongs to the sea.  The shipwrecked sailor does not believe his eyes when he sees the naked figure playing the lyre, but the fear for her power prevails on his face.

This work is the last in a series where Waterhouse combined the themes of death, sex and sea.  Earlier works include Circe Invidiosa (1892), Danaë (1892), The Merman (ca.1892) and A Mermaid (ca.1895).