Play of the Nereides 1886

Arnold Böcklin's 1886 painting "Play of the Nereides" depicts a group of Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek mythology, interacting with rough seas and rocky cliffs. The painting's dramatic composition, with crashing waves and figures struggling to stay afloat, evokes a sense of danger and chaos. Böcklin's signature use of symbolic imagery and melancholic atmosphere is evident in the painting, inviting viewers to contemplate the power of nature and the fragility of life. The piece is a powerful testament to the artist's enduring fascination with the ocean and its inhabitants.