The Three Graces (Les Trois Grâces), also known as Les Trois Ombres (The Three Shades) after Rodin
Sculpture, free-standing bronze • Katherina Minott (after Auguste Rodin)
Style & Movement
Expressionist Realism / Modern Sculpture influenced by Symbolism
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with dark brown and green verdigris patina; lost-wax casting technique
Creation Period
Circa 1900-1920 (based on cast style)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 18 x 12 inches; upright vertical format
Subject Description
Three identical hunched, draped figures standing in a row with heads bowed and faces obscured by cowls. The work explores the concept of mourning, anonymity, and the weight of existence. It is a modification of Rodin's 'Three Shades' from 'The Gates of Hell'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the patina is well-preserved with intentional variations in color to highlight the drapery folds.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $15,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a private collection or contemporary mid-tier gallery based on the attribution and display context.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a feminist or modern reinterpretation of Rodin's motifs. It reflects the ongoing dialogue between contemporary sculptors and the legacy of 19th-century monumental bronzes.
Notable Features
The repetitive nature of the three identical figures creates a rhythmic, somber composition characterized by heavy, vertical drapery lines and deep shadows.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation in the deep recessed folds of the bronze; no visible oxidation damage or structural cracks.
Conservation Recommendations
Occasional dusting with a soft natural brush; annual application of microcrystalline wax to protect the patina in humid environments.