An Italian Carrara Marble Model of the Three Graces, after Antonio Canova

Description

An Impressive 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Model of The Three Graces, Originally by Antonio Canova. The carving on this piece is exceptionally well done. The faces, hair, hands and draped clothing on the graces are all beautifully hand-carved with perfect precision demonstrating the sculptures capabilities and talent. Italy, Circa: 1850 Antonio Canova (Italian, 1757–1822) The Three Graces, circa 1814–1817 Marble This neoclassical marble group depicts the mythological Three Graces—Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thalia—daughters of Zeus and companions of Venus. Representing beauty, mirth, and elegance, they are shown standing nude in a closely intertwined pose, their bodies gently leaning into one another in a harmonious triangular arrangement. The central figure is turned with her back to the viewer, linking the group as she rests her hands on the shoulders of the flanking sisters, who face inward. Carved in pristine white marble, the figures exhibit Canova’s refined treatment of flesh, anatomy, and surface texture. Their softly modeled contours, delicate facial expressions, and smoothly flowing lines exemplify the sculptor’s command of the medium and his ability to evoke both sensuality and grace. The arrangement is carefully balanced and viewed in the round, inviting slow, contemplative movement around the work. Executed between 1814 and 1817 for Empress Joséphine’s son-in-law, the Duke of Bedford, this version resides in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. A nearly identical earlier version, commissioned by Napoleon’s wife Joséphine, is held by the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Canova personally considered The Three Graces among his most accomplished works, representing the idealized beauty central to neoclassical aesthetics.

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