Chambers began this painting in July 1969, just before he learned he had leukemia. It remained unfinished at his death in 1978, though he had worked on it steadily, and includes a rare self-portrait and is his only family portrait to feature all four members.

The artist’s wife, Olga, asked that he give the painting to her. Chambers, however, was set on providing as good a financial legacy for his family as possible. That it remained unfinished meant that he did not have to choose between these family priorities.