Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Four Mermaids (four of six murals)
Four Mermaids (four of six murals)

Four Mermaids (four of six murals)

Artist (1862 - 1935)
Date1919-1934
Object number00055527
NameMural
MediumOil paints on wood panel.
DimensionsOverall: 15 kg
Overall: 605 x 2,691 x 55 mm,
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection funded by Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation
DescriptionFour of six murals of various themes painted by David Henry Souter between 1920 and 1934 that hung on the walls of the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. This panel depicts four mermaids swimming in the ocean.HistoryHenry Souter, along with artists such as Sydney Long and Norman and Lionel Lindsay was part of a movement known as the Australian Classical revivalists that blended classical figures and pagan spirits with Australian landscapes. Their work was closely linked with the nationalism of the pre-Federation and post WW1 periods. This panel depicts four mermaids swimming in the ocean as a wave travels and appears in the middle of the scene. A group of seagulls can be seen flying on the left side of the painting. The Bondi murals are bold and evocative, all five panels combined, reflect themes including heroism, defence, militarism, self-sacrifice, the surf-life saving movement and beach culture in Australia. SignificanceWith his military and surf lifesaving background, Henry Souter was ideally placed to draw on these Australian themes of heroism to create these monumental panels. The works depict themes which have helped to shape our national identity – the diggers at Gallipoli, bush pioneers, the bronzed surfer, and a fit and healthy population enjoying their leisure at the beach.