In this mesmerizing work, a mermaid with long flowing hair sits solemnly on the rocky shore, her form captured beautifully in half-profile. Wrapped in an iridescent tail reflecting shades of blue and silver, her body glistens against the backdrop of a tempestuous sea that thrashes against the jagged cliffs. The rocks around her—dressed in seaweed and glistening wet from the ocean—frame her delicate figure with an aura of mystique. She delicately pulls strands of her hair, seemingly lost in thought, as if contemplating some profound secret of the deep. A modest shell, cradling lustrous pearls, rests beside her, suggesting a connection to both earth and sea, a blend of beauty and longing.

The colors in this piece are rich and evocative; the deep blues of the sea command attention, while luminous white waves crash against an almost ethereal shoreline. Waterhouse employs soft brushstrokes to create an entrancing, almost hypnotic rhythm throughout the composition. The emotional impact is palpable as the viewer can almost hear the echoes of waves crashing and feel the gentle sway of the wind around the mermaid—her posture speaks volumes of sadness and nostalgia. Historically, this piece reflects the era's fascination with myths and legends, intertwining both artistic expression and romantic notions of otherworldly beauty. Waterhouse’s talent for creating an intimate connection between viewer and subject makes this work not just a visual feast, but a timeless exploration of longing for something just out of reach.