Renaissance Mermaids. There are conflicting views on when the Renaissance era began and ended but generally it started in the 14th century and was at it’s peak in the 16th century. However, when talking about antiques, items from the the early 17th century can also be classed as Renaissance.
The Renaissance era saw the birth of Columbus, the Spanish Armada and travel to countries never visited before. It is therefore not surprising that mermaids began to feature in Renaissance art.
Genuine Renaissance mermaids are rare but a few do come up at auction sometimes. The majority are Renaissance Revival items but below there are a few examples of genuine Renaissance mermaids including a mangle board and a mermaid pendant.
Early 17th Century Carved German Mangle Board.
Renaissance Mangling Board with Relief Carving. Goddess Fortuna at Top with Mermaid Handle. Initials “CWM” – A very Fine Example
Sold for US$5,500 at Hartzell’s Auction Gallery, Inc. in 2022
Renaissance era cast bronze lidded ink pot, possibly c. 16th c., Italy, dark patinated cast bronze bowl raised on three mermaids riding sea creatures, the lid topped with a cherub finial, 7″h x 5″dia
Sold for Millea Bros Ltd at Roland NY in 2018
Italy or Spain, circa 1700
Mermaid | Sirène gold and enamel pendant, with pearls
H. 7 cm ; 2¾ in.
Sold for 10,710 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2022
