The present marble bust is an interesting work typical of the 1850's. The stylised truncation is one that we are now most familiar with through the busts of Hiram Powers, but was also used by other 19th century sculptors. The celebrated bust of Clytie, considered until recently an Antique, shares a similar stylised truncation of the shoulders and may have been of inspiration to Powers.
The present Erato bears striking similarities with many of the busts by Powers, but the proportions in this Muse appear a little fuller. It is possible that she was executed by a close associate of Powers' in Florence, but also equally likely is an English origin. Ideal busts with the truncation of the shoulders disguised by a decorative band were executed for example by Marshall Wood (Daphne). Moreover, the heavily Classical physiognomy and the delicately waved and parted hair are close to the work of William Brodie (Corinna of 1855) and of William Calder Marshall (the two martial seated figures on the Wellington Monument in Manchester). This marble Erato stands at present, as an anonymous, and yet masterly example of carving, and is a noble bust in the pure Classical mode.