Luigi Valadier (1726–1785)
The Three Graces Holding a Tazza, 1778
Bronze, gilt bronze, Aswan granite, alabastro fiorito, and porphyry
31 3/4 × 12 3/4 in. (80.5 × 32.5 cm)
The Royal Collections, Sweden
© Alexis Daflos, The Royal Court, Sweden
One of the bronzes created for King Gustav III of Sweden (1746–1792), this object is based on a celebrated ancient marble group that was, at the time, in the Borghese collection. Valadier reduced the composition and made it into the bronze base for a porphyry cup (tazza).