Who painted The Mermaids?

The Mermaids was painted by Ivan Kramskoi in 1871.

Where can I see The Mermaids?

The Mermaids is held by Tretyakov Gallery.

What movement is The Mermaids?

The Mermaids is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of The Mermaids?

Museum-quality prints of The Mermaids are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Mermaids

Ivan Kramskoi , 1871

The Mermaids is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ivan Kramskoi. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Ivan Kramskoi’s 1871 oil on canvas, titled The Mermaids, presents a nocturnal gathering of nineteen female figures beside a tranquil body of water.

Ivan Kramskoi’s 1871 oil on canvas, titled The Mermaids, presents a nocturnal gathering of nineteen female figures beside a tranquil body of water. The composition places the women in flowing white garments amid a lightly wooded shoreline, their gazes directed toward the water’s surface. The work resides in Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery, offering a visual interpretation of Slavic water‑spirit folklore.

Subject & Meaning

The figures represent rusalki, mythic entities from Slavic tradition who are said to be the spirits of women who died unmarried, unbaptised, or by drowning after unrequited love. In folklore these beings emerge at night to sing and dance, sometimes luring unsuspecting men to their demise. Kramskoi’s portrayal emphasizes their ethereal presence rather than overt menace, inviting contemplation of loss and longing.

Technique & Style

Kramskoi employs a subdued palette of whites, muted greens, and soft blues, rendered with gentle brushwork that creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Light falls delicately on the figures, while shadowed foliage recedes, producing a modest chiaroscuro that adds depth without harsh contrast. The overall effect is one of calm serenity, achieved through careful modulation of tone and a restrained handling of detail.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1871, The Mermaids entered the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, where it remains on display. The painting reflects Kramskoi’s interest in Russian folklore during a period when national themes were increasingly explored by artists seeking to define a distinct cultural identity.

Context

The work belongs to a broader 19th‑century Russian artistic movement that turned to native legends and mythic subjects as sources of inspiration. By depicting rusalki, Kramskoi aligns with contemporaries who used folklore to explore moral and emotional narratives, while also engaging with European Romantic interests in the supernatural and the picturesque.