The artwork “The Little Mermaid: The Merman King,” crafted by the artist Edmund Dulac, embodies the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is classified under the genre of illustration.
In this evocative piece, a merman king is depicted seated on a rock within an underwater milieu, adorned with an intricate crown that mirrors the organic forms and flowing lines characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. Surrounding him are fishes and various marine flora, rendered in exquisite detail and muted yet rich hues, conveying a dreamlike underwater kingdom. Dulac’s delicate and meticulous brushwork captures the enchanting essence of the underwater realm, celebrating both the natural world and the fantastical, which are central themes in Art Nouveau illustrations. The overall composition, with its flowing lines and harmonious integration of the natural elements, encapsulates the ethereal beauty and mythical aura inherent in the tale.
