An unidentified woman is depicted in this sixth-plate daguerreotype holding a copy of The National Psalmist open and facing the camera, the title and subtitle legible on the cover page. No photographer's imprint is visible on the case, which is a standard red leatherette hinged case with a gilt embossed mat. The daguerreotype dates to circa 1848 to 1855, consistent with the publication date of the volume shown.

The subject is shown in a frontal bust-length pose, seated and leaning slightly forward. She wears a dark dress with long sleeves and a white linen collar and cravat at the throat. Round wire-framed spectacles sit on her nose, and her dark hair is parted at the center and drawn back. Her expression is direct and composed. The book she holds is turned outward deliberately, suggesting she wished to be identified with the volume.

The National Psalmist: A Collection of the Most Popular and Useful Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Together with a Great Variety of New Tunes, Anthems, Sentences, and Chants was compiled by Lowell Mason and George James Webb and published in Boston by Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason in 1848. Mason was the leading figure in nineteenth-century American church music, credited with introducing music into American public schools and composing over 1,600 hymn tunes, including the arrangement of "Joy to the World" and the tune "Bethany," setting "Nearer, My God, to Thee." The deliberate display of this specific volume suggests the subject was a choir director, church musician, or music teacher.