This woman in ancient Greek attire is the poet Erinna, who may have lived in the 4th century BCE. Only a few of her works are known today, including The Distaff, a lamentation for a female friend. Rembrandt Peale made a long-deferred dream trip to Europe from 1829 through 1830. He published his Notes on Italy for American readers in 1831, chronicling his trip through the streets, churches, and museums of France and Italy much like one would chronicle travels through social media today. The Greek and Roman works he saw influenced his art long afterwards, as evidenced by the striking Erinna. Peale kept this painting in his studio until his death. It was sold at auction in 1862 to benefit his widow and daught.