Base of 'Water Sprites' (1915) by Leo Lentelli

Sketch of Aquarius: Aquatic Nymphs by Virgil Finlay (February 1967)

Finished drawing of Aquarius: Aquatic Nymphs by Virgil Finlay (1967)

The Virgil Finlay drawings were made for an astrology magazine.

In or before 1915, Leo Lentelli made the 'Water Sprite' columns for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915.

'Water Sprites' by Leo Lentelli (1915)

Base of 'Water Sprites' Column by Leo Lentelli (1915)

Virgil Finlay was inspired by the sculptures made by Leo Lentelli. Virgil Finlay remained very close to the original sculpture in his drawings. One of the alterations he made was to cover the naked breasts in the sculpture.

Lentelli was an Italian sculptor who immigrated to the United States. He created works throughout the country, notably in New York and San Francisco. He also taught sculpture.

References:

• Leo Lentelli at Wikipedia.
  
• The Panama Pacific International Exposition San Francisco, California, USA, 1915.