In Greek mythology, the Charites or Graces were goddesses associated with ideas of femininity, fertility, virtue, generosity, joy and creativity. Typically, only three of these goddesses are named; Euphrosyne (joy), Aglaia (beauty) and Thalia (festivity) are considered to be the daughters of Zeus and are frequent companions of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. These three female figures have inspired countless depictions throughout art history, spanning antiquity to the present. The trio has been tied to universal aspects of the human condition, such as the pursuit of happiness, the desire for beauty, our connection to nature and the importance of creative expression.
