Morse painted Finley in the typical dark tonalities and plain background favored for Colonial portraits.

Attention is drawn to the sitter's face through the use of light and the white shirt collar.

Morse is best known as the inventor of the telegraph, but he was also an established artist.

The painting was given to Dr. James E.B. Finley by his nephew, Samuel F.B. Morse. It remained in the family until Finley's great-granddaughter Mrs. E. Vernon Hahn (Maruetta Finley Hahn) donated it to the museum. The painting is signed by various owners (Mrs. Leighton Finley, Mrs. M.D. Finley, Dr. James E. Finley)