The merman and the maid 

"The merman and the maid" is a painting by James Jebusa Shannon, a British-American artist known for his portraits and figure paintings. This work depicts a merman mourning over the body of a young woman, likely a maid, adorned with lilac flowers. The scene is set against a backdrop of seagulls in flight, suggesting a coastal setting. The painting’s loose brushstrokes and hazy atmosphere contribute to a sense of melancholy and loss, reflecting the emotional weight of the subject matter.