The initials PB on the book cover may refer to Beatrice's family name, Beatrice Portinari, but are more likely to relate to the initials of the sculptor. Pietro Bazzanti specialised in Romantic figures in the mixed media of marble and alabaster. A signed marble and alabaster work by Bazzanti of Beatrice, extremely close in style to the present figure, was sold in these Rooms, 25 March 1982, lot 35.