From “Goddesses” to “Women”

An Analysis of Four Paintings of The Three Graces

Abstract

The Three Graces, representing beauty, joy, and happiness in Greek mythology, have been portrayed in various forms throughout art history. This paper explores the transformation of these goddesses from divine symbols to humanized representations, using four works by Botticelli, Raphael, Rubens, and Boucher as case studies. By examining these artworks within their historical and social contexts, the paper highlights how each artist reinterprets The Three Graces in line with the evolving cultural values of their time. Botticelli’s depiction in Spring portrays the goddesses as youthful and sensual, while Raphael's version balances their humanity and divinity. Rubens presents a more naturalistic portrayal, emphasizing fuller, mature figures with personal elements. Boucher, in the Rococo style, reimagines them as symbols of maternal love. These transformations reflect a broader trend in Western art, where the divine gradually gave way to more human-centered, secular depictions. The shift from "goddesses" to "women" in these artworks not only mirrors the secularization of art but also demonstrates the growing emphasis on personal, emotional, and humanistic themes over religious and mythological representations.