The Octopus (Death of a Mermaid)
Date1929
Artist
Ernestine Evans Mills
(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)
diameter (without frame): 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. H. W. Janson, 1976
Object number1976-40
On View
On viewCollections
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.
Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (1861–1875)
c. 1865
