The Perfect Hostesses

The Three Graces by Antonio Canova, 1814-17, The Victoria and Albert Museum.

Canova worked in the Neoclassical style and the subject of this work goes back to that time as well. It depicts three of the daughters of Zeus who represent the epitome of good hostesses as they were in charge of the gatherings when the gods got together. They make a perfect subject matter as they are beautiful young women and many artists over the centuries have chosen to portray them.

Canova,Three Graces, detail.

Beautiful Perfection

Cupid and Psyche as Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1889, Private Collection.

Among the most popular and prolific artists of the 19th century, Bouguereau was a traditional academic-style painter as many other artists were shunning (or being shunned by) the French Art Academy and heading in different directions. He preferred classical subjects, such as Greek Mythology, and a very straight-forward, realistic, presentation. His work remains quite popular for it's beauty, and the obvious skill of the artist.