Fresco depicting the Three Graces, the Charites Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia at the Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy

The Three Graces, Pompeii, House of Titus Dentatius Panthera

Fresco, The Three Graces, the Charites Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia, Pompeii, House of Titus Dentatius Panthera, Archaeological Museum of Naples

The Three Graces Fresco - Water-based pigments on coating, 80 BC – 20 AD

These three naked maidens, gathered together and placing a friendly hand on the shoulder of their neighbour, were the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, the daughter of Oceanus.

Their names were Aglaia (Splendour), Thalia (Pleasure) and Euphrosyne (Joy).

Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia embodied grace and beauty; they had received from Venus the rose, the apple and the myrtle, from which perfume is extracted.

The Graces are often depicted in the service of other deities: they accompany Apollo playing the lyre, bring myrtle to Aphrodite, etc.

The Three Graces They also frequently accompany the Muses, Eros, or Dionysus. They are depicted as beautiful, slender young girls, at a tender age, with their hands and arms lovingly entwined, and standing either naked or clothed in a vaporous, transparent garment made of ethereal fabric.

The dancing poses of the three graceful sisters express the charms of personal dignity, elegance of movement, posture and expression that allow beauty to conquer the soul of man.

The Three Graces Furthermore, by holding hands like loving sisters, they embody sisterly love, the tender emotions of a heart filled with affection, friendship and kindness.

In this fresco, they are crowned with myrtle.

Those on the right and left are facing forward, each holding a myrtle branch.

Seneca associated them with the qualities of generosity: giving, receiving and returning.