The Sacrifice of the Little Mermaid

Digital painting by Alejandro Dini. A moment from the tale "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen.

Unlike more contemporary reinterpretations of this tale, Andersen's story has a more prominent sacred theme, with sacrifice and divine redemption at its core. The tale can also be interpreted as a metaphor of puberty.

The scene here represented is the moment where the Mermaid drinks the potion that will transform her appearance to human, forever losing her tail. From this moment on her feet will bleed at every step.

Stylistically the painting is inspired by Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics and symbolism.

Size: 4000 x 2620 pixels