Lovers

This chryselephantine sculpture, created by Ernst Seger (1868-1939), is inspired by the medieval legend of "Melusina," the most famous literary version of which is that of Jean d'Arras. The sculpture "The Lovers" represents the fairy Melusina with her husband, King Raymondin. The story goes that Raymondin could not see Melusina on Saturdays due to a curse, which meant that Melusina would turn into a snake from the waist down on Saturdays. One day, Raymondin broke his promise and discovered her secret. The couple is shown here before Raymondin broke his promise and discovered the secret.