Dated c. 1963, Sidney Nolan’s ‘Merman and Woman’ is an intriguing work. It charts the artist’s enduring interest in mythology, depicting figures that are reminiscent of a merman and harpy, the half-woman half-bird creature of Ancient Greece. Therianthropes, these figures merge categories – magical, gendered and animal – suggesting we are less civilised than we imagine.

‘Merman and Woman’ can be read as mythical or romantic, an expression of how we merge and transform in the throes of love. It is an original drawing by one of Australia’s most significant artists – a treasure for collectors Nolan, Australian art or a gift for your other half. What do you see?

Sidney NOLAN (1917 - 1992)
'Merman and Woman' c. 1963
Crayon on paper
Image Size: 64 x 51 cm
Dimensions: 99 x 81 x 4 cm
Comes with Letter of Provenance. Certificate Of Authenticity signed by the Agent for the estate of Lady Nolan provided

Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.

(c) Sidney Nolan / Copyright Agency

Read about this work and more in Sidney Nolan | Poems, Myths and Mermaids.