Rufus B. Kellogg (1837-1891)
by George R. A. Healy (1813-1894)
Painted in Paris, France in 1887
The Green Bay banker and financier Rufus B. Kellogg (1837-1891) commissioned the American artist George R. A. Healy (1813-1894 ) to paint his portrait in Paris, France in 1887. Imbued with the spirit of 19th century Paris, the regal portrait shows Kellogg as a successful businessman reading the French newspaper Le Petite Journal and seated in an ornate green chair, dressed in 19th century business attire, with red drapery background. Kellogg's philanthropy included the establishment of the public library in Green Bay, as well as an educational endowment at Ahmerst (MA) College, where an identical version of the portrait hangs from 1892. Rufus graduated from Amherst College before eventually moving to Green Bay. He generously supported many local charities and promoted education, business, literacy, and thrift.
The painting was restored by art conservator Anton ("Tony") Rajer (1952-2011) of Sheboygan, and was conserved through the support of Associated Bank. It resides on loan in the lobby of Associated Bank, 433 Main Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301.
Additional Information:
- Green Bay & De Pere Antiquarian Society, Inc.: Heritage Collection
- Wikipedia: George Peter Alexander Healy
- Illinois Historical Art Project: George Peter Alexander Healy (1813-1894)
- Art Institute of Chicago 1913: C. P. A. Healy Centenary Exhibition
- Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Awards: Anton (Tony) Rajer (1952-2011)
- The SRISA Tony A. Rajer Library in Florence