Horizontal Panel with a Siren with Foliage for Legs and Two Children 1515 - 1560

This engraving by Allaert Claesz. depicts a siren with foliage for legs, suckling two infants. The artwork, which dates from 1515–1560, displays a delicate balance between naturalistic and fantastical elements. The intricate floral motifs surrounding the siren, with their swirling vines and detailed blossoms, create a sense of both beauty and unease. The siren's exposed breast and the infants' attentive gazes highlight the theme of nurturing, while the overall composition suggests a cautionary tale about the allure and danger of the unknown. This work, which is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the artist's mastery of engraving techniques and his fascination with mythological themes.