The Three Graces: From Pompeii to the Makonde

The grouping of three wonderful Venuses from the Makonde tribe in Mozambique is the first time ever three statues carved by one great master and one of his pupils are presented together. It is quite meaningful that all three works belonged initially to three contemporary artists, Willy Mestach, David Henrion and Daniel Hourdé. This theme of the three Graces as a group of three young women in the prime of their youth and as symbolic images of beauty and elegance has inspired many great painters and sculptors since the Antiquity. The earliest depictions of the Three Graces show the trio of goddesses naked, with the central figure always turned backwards, showing her voluptuous behind.