Ten Mermaid Character Portraits
Original drawing on paper • Anonymous amateur artist; Contemporary outsider art
Style & Movement
Contemporary illustrative, influenced by 'Chibi' and 'Magical Girl' anime/manga styles and Western character design aesthetics
Medium & Technique
Black ink pen for outlines with colored pencil or marker infill on standard white paper; utilizes a grid-based character sheet technique
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (c. 2010s-2020s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8.5 x 11 inches; Landscape orientation with a 2x5 grid layout
Subject Description
A grid of ten individual female characters depicted as mermaids or dressed in sea-themed attire, each identified by name (Fifa, Shirley, Irma, Betty, Zoey, Laura, Bella, Kikki, Coral, Pearl) and age (27 or 28). The figures feature stylized stick-figure torsos with elaborate hair, seashell accessories, and color-coded costumes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible creasing, folding marks, and a small tear in the upper right corner
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $25
Auction Estimate
$10 - $50 (largely dependent on sentimental or niche collector interest)
Provenance History
Private collection; Likely originated as a personal sketch or fan-art creation within a domestic setting
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the pervasive nature of internet character-design culture and 'OC' (Original Character) communities; demonstrates contemporary folk-art traditions where individuals create serialized character variations.
Notable Features
Includes specific textual labels for each character denoting a fictional age and name, suggesting a larger narrative or world-building context behind the illustrations.
Condition Issues
Prominent horizontal and vertical fold lines suggesting the paper was stored folded; slight curling of edges; tear in top right corner; minor surface smudging
Conservation Recommendations
Store flat in an acid-free archival sleeve; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the fugitive dyes in the coloring media