"Gower was the daughter of the Marquess of Stafford, whom Kauffman painted while in London. She paints her as Spes, the Roman goddess and personification of hope, symbolized by the anchor and the flowers in her hair. There is great sensitivity and depth in this portrait. Kauffman’s skill is evident in every aspect, from the soft hair and skin, to the realistic fabric, to the rocky background." http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/130311592837/portrait-of-louisa-leveson-gower-as-spes-goddess