This is one of more than two-dozen watercolor profile portraits attributed to the mysterious artist J. Evans, who was active in New Hampshire, Maine, Boston, and New York. The signature "J. Evans/Painter" on two works provides the basis for attribution; virtually no other information is known, including the artist's gender. In this mimetic portrait, a mother and daughter of the Chase family face each other in identical stances and each extends an offering that is age and gender appropriate. Neither engages the other, and instead they stare straight ahead; the child will become the mother, the mother was once the child. On the floor, a floral rug is a minimal gesture against a plain white background. The subjects are probably Priscilla Worthen James Chase (1808–1850) of Deerfield, New Hampshire, and her daughter, one of two children born to Priscilla and her husband, Dr. Charles A. Chase, who died at a young age.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Mother and Daughter of the Chase Family (probably Priscilla Worthen James Chase and Daughter)," exhibition label for ALSO ON VIEW: Selections from the Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2014.