The Three Graces (Monument to Emperor Titus)

Through symbols and allegories, the bas-relief makes reference to the magnanimity of the Roman em-peror Titus, made famous in a work of 1791 by the librettist Metastasio to music by Mozart. The opera, which was much loved by Voltaire, tells of the clemency offered by Tito to the conspirator Sesto, his faithful friend who was induced into betrayal by his passionate love for Princess Vitellia.
The picture takes up the themes of friendship, symbolised by the myrtle, amenity, represented by the rose, and shared feelings, represented by the die. Also the words on Tito’s tomb allude to friendship and its eternal value.