Albert Toft (1862-1949) studied under Edouard Lanteri, whose style greatly influenced him. Toft specialised as a portrait sculptor, though he is now primarily remembered for his enigmatic ideal works, such as The Spirit of Contemplation. He shared with Gilbert, Dalou and Lanteri a 'romantic' admiration for the early Renaissance, softened and enlivened with symbolist overtones. The present bust delicately balances Toft's experience as a portraitist with his inclination for the rhythmic poetry of an ideal image.