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What the painting shows
Mermaids (Silverfish) by Klimt presents two aquatic figures set against a textured gold and dark background. The taller figure rises along the right side of the canvas, her pale face turned in profile. A large, curving mass dotted with small grey specks wraps around her body like a dark shroud.
A smaller figure sits lower on the left. Her pale face looks directly forward from inside another dotted, curved shape that tapers toward the bottom edge. Horizontal pale streaks cut through the background behind the figures, while golden tones fill the left side of the scene.
The story behind it
Klimt painted the canvas in 1899 using oil on canvas. It is grouped among his allegories and also goes by the titles Water Nymphs, Silverfish, or Silverfishes (Nixen, Sirens). The composition reflects his ongoing exploration of water sirens and mythological women around the turn of the century.
Where to see it
The oil painting belongs to the collection of the Bank Austria Kunstforum in Vienna. A catalog record from Wikidata also associates the work with the Albertina in Vienna. If you are planning an art trip, explore our guide on where to see Klimt paintings to discover related works on public display across Vienna.
Details of Mermaids (Silverfish)
Questions about Mermaids (Silverfish)
What does Mermaids (Silverfish) by Klimt show?
Mermaids (Silverfish) by Gustav Klimt depicts two stylized water figures set against a shimmering gold and dark background. The upper woman gazes toward the left from inside a rounded, dark cloak patterned with small light dots. Below her, a second pale face peers out from a matching dark form that curves down toward the base of the canvas.
Where is Mermaids (Silverfish) by Klimt?
Mermaids (Silverfish) by Gustav Klimt belongs to the collection of the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien in Vienna, Austria. One museum database entry also connects the oil painting with the Albertina in Vienna. You can find the artwork preserved within the city of Vienna, where Klimt lived and worked during the Secession period.
