Milford, Conn. – A remarkable piece of art history was restored to its rightful owners this week after nearly five decades of mystery. Two paintings by 19th‑century American artist Eastman Johnson – *Mary and Her Lamb* and *The Young Mother* – vanished from galleries in 1978 and resurfaced in an estate collection on Long Island.
Local expertise sparks the discovery
The breakthrough began when Brandon Levine, proprietor of Brandon’s Art and Antiques, recognized the works while cataloguing items for a probate sale. Levine, who has spent his career evaluating antiques and fine art, described the pieces as “a lovely gem scene of a woman holding a doll.” He promptly photographed the paintings and reached out to Sandra Germaine, owner of the fine‑art auction house in Milford.
Germaine, a veteran of the Connecticut art market, immediately identified the style as characteristic of Eastman Johnson. She cross‑checked the images against the online catalog raisonné, a comprehensive scholarly listing of the artist’s oeuvre, and confirmed that both works had been reported stolen in the late 1970s.
Family’s reaction and cooperation
When the theft records were matched to the family that had originally collected the paintings, the owners expressed disbelief and joy. “They were thrilled to get them back and get them returned,” Germaine said. The family, who inherited the collection after the death of their father, cooperated fully with the auction house and law‑enforcement officials to ensure the artworks were safely returned.
Levine noted that the paintings had been purchased unknowingly from a seller who had acquired them illicitly. “Unfortunately, he unwittingly purchased them from somebody who had stolen them from the galleries,” he explained.
Another successful restitution
This marks the third time Germaine’s firm has facilitated the return of stolen art to its proper owners. She described the process as “one of the most rewarding parts of her job,” emphasizing the importance of honesty and diligence in the art community.
Local authorities were notified, and the case underscores the value of vigilant professionals in the antiques and auction sectors. By combining seasoned expertise with modern research tools, the Milford auction house helped close a chapter that began nearly half a century ago.
What this means for the community
Beyond the satisfaction of a family reunited with its heritage, the recovery highlights the role that small‑town businesses play in preserving cultural legacy. Residents of Milford and surrounding towns can take pride in the fact that their local experts contributed to a national story of art restitution.
As the paintings are now displayed again in the family’s private collection, the episode serves as a reminder that even long‑forgotten crimes can be solved when honest, diligent citizens work together.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
