Several works have been cited as possible inspirations, including John Vanderlyn's Ariadne Asleep on the Island of Naxos[9] and Horatio Greenough's sculpture Venus Victrix.[2] Goodridge sent her portrait to Webster when he was a new widower,[3][3] and, based on its miniature format, it was likely intended for his eyes alone.[1] The American art critic John Updike suggests that the artist intended it to offer herself to Webster; he writes that the bared breasts appear to say "We are yours for the taking, in all our ivory loveliness, with our tenderly stippled nipples".[10] Ultimately, however, Webster married another, wealthier woman.[3]