Autonoe – Nereid With Her Own Mind
Autonoe is one of the Nereids—the 50 sea nymph daughters of Nereus, the wise old man of the sea. In Greek mythology, she is known for her independence, and in Emma de Polnay’s interpretation, she embodies quiet strength and elemental freedom.
The Nereids series was inspired by Emma’s daily walks along the coast, where she would often watch groups of fearless women braving the cold sea. Though not a swimmer herself (yet), she was captivated by this seaside ritual—layers shrugged off with grit and laughter, and the serene, pink-cheeked calm that followed each plunge.
Autonoe pays homage to this sea sisterhood—women gathering to immerse themselves in the raw, restorative energy of the ocean. Emma’s colour palette echoes the ever-changing blues of sea and sky, the dark, peaty tones of wet hair drawn from the local coastline, and the soft aqua green of Brighton’s historic seaside railings.
Nereids of Now is a limited edition of 50, each artwork is printed on 330gsm Somerset Velvet paper with a hand-torn edge, and comes signed and numbered by the artist.
Every piece is individually hand-finished with acrylic inks and mediums. Available in two sizes.
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Description
Autonoe is one of the Nereids—the 50 sea nymph daughters of Nereus, the wise old man of the sea. In Greek mythology, she is known for her independence, and in Emma de Polnay’s interpretation, she embodies quiet strength and elemental freedom.
The Nereids series was inspired by Emma’s daily walks along the coast, where she would often watch groups of fearless women braving the cold sea. Though not a swimmer herself (yet), she was captivated by this seaside ritual—layers shrugged off with grit and laughter, and the serene, pink-cheeked calm that followed each plunge.
Autonoe pays homage to this sea sisterhood—women gathering to immerse themselves in the raw, restorative energy of the ocean. Emma’s colour palette echoes the ever-changing blues of sea and sky, the dark, peaty tones of wet hair drawn from the local coastline, and the soft aqua green of Brighton’s historic seaside railings.
Nereids of Now is a limited edition of 50, each artwork is printed on 330gsm Somerset Velvet paper with a hand-torn edge, and comes signed and numbered by the artist.
Every piece is individually hand-finished with acrylic inks and mediums. Available in two sizes.
