The Three Graces 

Corneliu Michailescu created "The Three Graces" using ink on paper, a stark contrast to the historical depictions of grace and beauty in painting and sculpture. The ink drawing's emphasis on line and the absence of color directs our attention to the angularity of the figures' faces, and the varying textures achieved by the hatching and cross-hatching throughout the composition. The stark black ink emphasizes the labor that the artist has put into this artwork, in the context of post-war Romanian society. Michailescu's choice of materials reflects an interest in the simple and expressive potential of basic media, and he challenges us to consider beauty through abstraction. In essence, it's about understanding the impact of modest materials and direct techniques in conveying powerful messages, and prompting us to rethink traditional notions of beauty and art.