Carolyn James, the daughter of Edward and Alnah James of Portland, who was about 21, poses as Portrait of the Artist, by Herself.

Marie Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun (1755-1842) painted the self-portrait at Florence in 1790.

James was part of an "Exhibition of Pictures" at First Parish Church in Portland. Church members dressed as 29 different portraits and posed inside a large gold frame. Historical information and music accompanied the art. Her sister Miriam also participated in the event, posing as Da Forli's Angel with Viol.