Three Graces

The Three Graces were three daughters of Zeus who personified grace, beauty and charm. Hesiod, in the 'Theogony', names them as Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia. In paintings, they often accompany Venus, and are generally depicted in a group, the central figure with her back turned, the figures to left and right facing outwards. They were usually shown nude, except during the Middle Ages.