Comprising three portrait miniatures, the first a young Boy in white sailor's middy and blue stock, with close cropped brown hair; the second a young Lady in white bodice with lace trim, with short red curly hair, attributed to James Peale (1749-1831); the third a young Child in white dress with pale blue bows at each shoulder, with short brown ringletted hair, attributed to John Carlin (1813-1891)

The younger brother of Charles Willson Peale, James Peale (1749-1831) apprenticed with his brother in the elder's painting studio. James served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution before settling in Philadelphia where he focused on portrait miniature painting until his eyesight failed in 1818. (G and W, p. 492; Johnson, p. 167; and S and G, p.98-99).

Born a deaf-mute, John Carlin (1813-1891) studied at the Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf and Dumb between 1821 and 1825. His career began with an ornamental sign painting business. In 1832 and by 1834, Carlin studied painting in Philadelphia and later in Europe. By 1841, Carlin settled in New York City. In addition to his work in Philadelphia and New York City and his study abroad, Carlin also routinely travelled seeking painting commissions. An annual exhibitor at the National Academy of Design from 1847 to 1886, Carlin also showed his work at the American Art Union, the Maryland Historical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. (See G and W, p.109; and Johnson, pp. 90-91).