John Carlin (1813-1891) was a pioneering American painter & poet—the first published deaf poet in the USA. Known for sensitive portraiture, especially of children, and genre scenes. Advocate for deaf education.
Carlin made four consecutive entries in his account book during October 1846 for sittings with the Allen Brothers. He called them "Eldest," "Second," "Third," and "Youngest." In the margin next to the names, Carlin wrote, "In half length group $50.00." William Barton Franklin Vanderbilt, and Harry were the sons of commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt"s second daughter, Ethelinda Vanderbilt, and Daniel B. Allen. Vanderbilt Commissioned the group portrait of his grandsons.