This large drawing derives from the subject of Venus Concordia. Initially designed as one panel in the large Story of Troy triptych begun in 1870. Burne-Jones completed a painting of its pair 'Venus Discordia' in 1873 (National Museum of Wales, Cardiff), but left unfinished an oil, now in Plymouth Art Gallery. In addition to Birmingham's version of the 'Three Graces', there is an identical version now in the Carlisle City Art Gallery, that was in the Christie's Studio Sale in 1898 (lot 30). Additionally, the 'Venus Concordia' is the right most horizontal predella design in the 'Story of Troy' triptych in Birmingham's collection. A preliminary design for the predella, in pencil, is now in the Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester. In his original pencil design for 'Venus Concordia' (Whitworth) the model used for each of the Three Graces, as well as Venus, was Maria Zambaco. She likewise appears throughout its counterpart, 'Venus Discordia' (Whitworth). She does not, however, appear in any of the later versions of the 'Three Graces' or the oil for 'Venus Concordia'. Purchased through the Art Gallery Purchase Fund, 1898.