From Antony Beevor:

"Celia Montague's portrait is very powerful and as a great admirer of her work, I was not surprised when I saw the finished version.  I loved chatting with her, but I could never keep my head in the same position, and I could not possibly keep the same expression.  (Few sitters, I suspect, can maintain a smile, which is why portraits often look so serious).  I then realised that I needed a focal point, so I moved a small alabaster bust on the chimney piece behind her so that it was just to the side of her face.  That and putting on my favourite music - baroque trumpets and Venetian concertos - made me a much better sitter."

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