Restoring and Preserving the Artwork and Historical Pieces

With your help, the Green Bay-De Pere Antiquarian Society has collected many pieces of fine art and historical artifacts.  Many of these pieces need to be restored to their natural condition, repaired, and preserved for future generations.

The Mystery of "The Prodigal Son" aka "Hospitality":

One piece currently being restored is "The Prodigal Son", also known as "Hospitality".  This is a rare Italian painting encased in an ornate Florentine frame.  It is from the Baroque Period - approximately 250 years old, and it may have been done by the great Florentine artist, Andrea de Sarto or a contemporary - possibly a pupil.  Unfortunately, that is all that is currently known about this beautiful, historic work of art.  At this time, we are not sure who painted it, how the name became attached to it, or how it ended up in Green Bay, Wisconsin!  At one time, it was owned by Fredereick G. Hall, former owner the of the Beaumont Hotel and placed in the hotel lobby until he died.  Mr. Hall's estate then gifted it to the Brown County Public Library, and it was part of the collection purchased from the Library by the Antiquarian Society through the Cultural Heritage Community Campaign.

The Antiquarian Society has engaged the professional services of Tony Rajer, Art Conservator, to restore and preserve this painting, as well as the Rufus B. Kellogg painting.  The restoration of both works will be completed by October 2010.  In the meantime, Mr. Rajer has secured Antiquarian member volunteers to research the history and origin of the "The Return of the Prodigal Son" painting.  On October 8, 2010, the research committee's findings will be reported as both restored paintings are unveiled at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay. 

Mr. Rajer is currently performing the work at the Neville Public Museum.  Watch and listen to Mr. Rajer below as he discusses his work with CW Wisconsin.

"Thank You" to CW Wisconsin for doing this story.  The above videos can also be viewed at the CW Wisconsin website, and many other pieces of art and historical artifacts can be viewed by clicking on the following links:  Our Artifacts     Heritage Set     Artwork Gallery.

Here are some additional photographs of Mr. Rajer performing his work and discussing it with various community members, including Green Bay Major Jim Schmidt.

Please browse through our website for additional photographs and information:

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