Diving on Saint Patrick's day

This oil painting took me 2 months to achieve. Not that it's a masterpiece but I only have worked a few hours a week on it. The original size is 24x36" and I made the frame in the "Jules Verne" style. Making it look like a copper submarine window. You can see it in my painting page on my web site www.philportugal.com
Some people think there is a religious topic in this scene. Other finds a man/woman relation concept. But the main purpose for me, was to set the moment just before the diver gets surprised by the mermaid. Your comments are welcome...