Arcadópolis
Nudity. This work is shown blurred, as in the Museum.Show work
The Three Graces
Raphael, c. 1504–1505
What you see
Three nude women stand close together, each with her arms on her companions’ shoulders. The one in the center is seen from behind and the two at the sides from the front, in a repeating rhythm. Each holds a small red sphere. Behind them opens a quiet landscape of hills, a lake and a pale blue sky.
The bodies share a light, even tone, with soft outlines. All three tilt their heads with the same calm. Keep an eye out for the red necklaces, the sheer cloth draped on the woman at the left and the small plant in the lower left corner.
About Raphael
Raphael Sanzio was born in Urbino and learned painting very young from his father, who was also a painter. His gentle Madonnas and harmonious compositions made him famous in Florence and Rome, where he decorated the pope’s rooms. He lived only 37 years but left an enormous body of work.
More by Raphael
The Arcadópolis Museum has 443 public-domain works in 40 rooms, free to explore in 3D in your browser.