The Three Graces (Canova)

The Three Graces (Canova) is a Neoclassical marble sculpture by Italian artist Antonio Canova, completed between 1814 and 1817. The sculpture depicts the three mythological Graces, daughters of Zeus – Aglaea (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer). These figures were considered to represent charm, beauty, and creativity.

The sculpture typically portrays the three Graces nude, embracing each other in a close group. Canova's rendition is notable for its exquisite detail, smooth surfaces, and a subtle sense of movement conveyed through the interlocking poses of the figures. The work is characterized by its balanced composition, refined elegance, and idealized beauty, hallmarks of the Neoclassical style.

There are two known versions of the sculpture. The first was commissioned by Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife. After her death in 1814, it was acquired by the Duke of Bedford. This version is now jointly owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Galleries of Scotland, and it is displayed alternately between London and Edinburgh. The second version was commissioned by Count Nikolai Rumyantsev, and is housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The differences between the two versions are subtle, relating primarily to the base and minor details of the figures' postures.

The Three Graces was a popular subject in art throughout history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Canova’s interpretation is considered one of the most celebrated and influential depictions of the theme, significantly contributing to the Neoclassical movement's emphasis on ideal beauty and classical forms.