William Behnes (1795-1864) attended the Royal Academy Schools from 1813 and exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1815 to 1863. He achieved great fame swiftly, becoming a much sought after sculptor, in particular as a portraitist. In 1837 he was appointed Sculptor in Ordinary to the Queen. His fame as a portraitist was founded not only on his mastery of technique, but also in his ability to capture character and mood. The half-length format and the presence of the ledge on which the maiden leans, together with the juxtaposed arms and flower in her hand relate, for example, to Verrocchio's Lady with Flowers in the Bargello, Florence, though Behnes was probably also aware of Chinard's half-length portraits of 18th century ladies. The youthfulness and romanticism of the maiden are evoked by the fresh openess of her face and the trace of a smile on her lips. Her arms and shoulders are captured with a smooth roundness, successfully contrasted with the soft folds of drapery.