This romantic illustration depicts Prince Eric and Ariel sitting together in a wooden rowboat on a tranquil sea. Ariel, with her long red hair and shimmering green mermaid tail, gazes lovingly at Eric while they hold hands. Near the boat, a small yellow and blue fish surfaces, while a seagull perches on the side of the craft. In the distance, a majestic castle sits on a cliffside, and a large sailing ship is visible under a warm, sunset-hued sky filled with clouds.
The composition is split horizontally between the surface world and the depths of the ocean. Below the waterline, the scene reveals a magical, lush coral reef teeming with life. Sunlight streams down from the surface, illuminating the deep blue and purple water and casting ethereal beams upon the vibrant corals, sea anemones, and rock formations. A faint, glowing silhouette of an underwater palace can be seen in the distance between the reef structures.
The artwork is rendered in a painterly style with rich, saturated colours. The upper portion is dominated by warm oranges, pinks, and yellows, contrasting with the cool, deep blues, purples, and teals of the underwater environment. Various sea creatures, including a crab on the lower right, jellyfish, and schools of tropical fish, inhabit the reef, adding depth and whimsy to the scene. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the magical nature of the underwater world while maintaining the romantic atmosphere of the sunset above.