As he reaches out to the attractive mermaid, he still keeps a hand on his steed's bridle. Sensing danger, the horse is stamping its feet in protest. Even more vehement in his warnings is the hermit in the background who is shouting and waving his arms to get the man's attention away from the seductive mermaid. Four other mermaids stand in the pool, adding their own enticing voices to that of the first. Blinov has created a nice effect with the swirling water of the river, and the curling clouds of the night sky.
Moderate gold detailing on the reeds of the foreground makes for a subtle yet stunning effect.
Gold and silver paint are also used to detail and ornament the figures clothing, especially on the rider's cape and tunic. The composition has a natural ending, and is then framed by a line of gold beading and then gold foliage with silver flowers. This same pattern is repeated on the sides of the piece. The box stands on four round feet, and is signed and titled by the artist. This is a wonderful composition showing a great artist's skill and a common Russian folk belief.