The Octopus (Death of a Mermaid)

© Estate of the artist. Photograph and digital image © Delaware Art Museum. Not for reproductio…
© Estate of the artist
The Octopus (Death of a Mermaid)
© Estate of the artist. Photograph and digital image © Delaware Art Museum. Not for reproduction or publication.

The Octopus (Death of a Mermaid)

Date1929
Artist (1871–1959)
MediumPolychrome enamel on copper, silver
Dimensionsdiameter (with frame): 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
diameter (without frame): 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. H. W. Janson, 1976
Object number1976-40
On View
On view
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Label TextErnestine Mills studied at the Slade School of Art in London, and learned drawing under the Pre-Raphaelite artist, Frederic Shields. She studied enameling techniques from Alexander Fisher. (Both Shields and Fisher are represented in the Museum’s Bancroft Collection). The struggle between octopus and mermaid depicted on this plaque reflect Mills’ views on the debate over women’s right to vote which was being played out in British politics at this time.
Pendant: The Song
Phoebe Anna Traquair
1904
© Estate of Lev T. Mills. Photograph and digital image © Delaware Art Museum. Not for reproduct…
Lev T. Mills
1969
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