The Elektra series were the first of Chadwick's bronzes to make use of polished surfaces, to the heads and often the breast and upper thorax. In explaining this Chadwick writes, 'In the case of the Elektras it was a double thing, I had the shiny bit, but obviously I couldn't have a totally shiny thing like some sculptors. But I could make it look as if it was almost applied to the bronze, like a shield - a breastplate sort of thing'. The polished surface of the breastplate could emphasise the softly feminine curves of the figures, bringing a new element of modelling. (see E. Lucie-Smith, Chadwick, Stroud, 1997, pp. 83-84).