Water Spirit Collection

Scene from Heinrich Heines poem Lorelei (chromolitho)
1093921 Scene from Heinrich Heines poem Lorelei (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Scene from Heinrich Heines poem Lorelei)

Altar: Mami Wata, Republic of Benin (photo)
HSC206688 Altar: Mami Wata, Republic of Benin (photo) by African School; Horniman Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: brings wealth and loss of fertility to followers;); Photo © Heini Schneebeli

Melusine Discovered in the Forest (chromolitho)
734653 Melusine Discovered in the Forest (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melusine Discovered in the Forest)

Ondine, 1910 (illustration)
5669737 Ondine, 1910 (illustration) by Rackham, Arthur (1867-1939); (add.info.: Ondine (Undine), a fairy-tale novella by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque, in which Undine, a water spirit

Melusine Among the Ruins (chromolitho)
734657 Melusine Among the Ruins (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melusine Among the Ruins)

Melusine in the River (chromolitho)
734655 Melusine in the River (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melusine in the River)

Melusine Is Sent Away (chromolitho)
734656 Melusine Is Sent Away (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melusine Is Sent Away)

Melusine and the Crusaders (chromolitho)
734658 Melusine and the Crusaders (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melusine and the Crusaders)

The Marriage of Melusine (chromolitho)
734654 The Marriage of Melusine (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Marriage of Melusine)

Ondine, 1910 (illustration)
5669520 Ondine, 1910 (illustration) by Rackham, Arthur (1867-1939); (add.info.: Ondine (Undine), a fairy-tale novella by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque, in which Undine, a water spirit

Dans les vagues, ou Ondine (In the Waves or Undine), 1889. Found in the Collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland

Two Naga, from Fondukistan (terracotta)
XIR228225 Two Naga, from Fondukistan (terracotta) by Afghan School, (7th century); Musee Guimet, Paris, France; Afghan, out of copyright

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The captivating allure of the water spirit is beautifully depicted in various art forms throughout history. From Heinrich Heine's enchanting poem "Lorelei" to stunning visual representations like the chromolitho scenes of Melusine discovered in the forest, among ruins, and in the river, these artworks transport us into a mystical realm. In one such scene from Heinrich Heine's poem "Lorelei, " we witness the ethereal presence of a water spirit. The chromolitho altar dedicated to Mami Wata in Benin captures her divine essence, radiating power and grace. Another chromolitho illustration portrays Melusine amidst crusaders, showcasing her enigmatic connection with both land and sea. Ondine, portrayed through illustrations from 1910 and 1889 respectively, further exemplifies the mysticism surrounding water spirits. In one image titled "Dans les vagues ou Ondine (In the Waves or Undine), " we see Ondine gracefully emerging from turbulent waters while another depicts her immersed within its gentle embrace. Melusine's story unfolds through vivid chromolithos; she is sent away on a journey that takes her across time and space. Among ruins or standing by riverside, she remains an enigma - forever linked to aquatic realms yet yearning for human connection. These artistic depictions invite us to ponder upon the nature of water spirits - their alluring beauty juxtaposed with their untamed powers. They embody both fascination and danger as they navigate between worlds unknown to mortals. As we admire these mesmerizing portrayals of water spirits throughout history, let our imagination be stirred by their timeless charm. May we find ourselves captivated by their stories and inspired by their ability to traverse boundaries between land and sea – reminding us that there are realms beyond our comprehension waiting to be explored.