In 2024, an antique dealer on the northwest coast of France noticed something unusual.

After buying an old, framed mirror, he realized the back panel wasn’t solid wood-it was attached to a framed canvas.

Curious, he carefully removed the mirror and found this oil painting, signed by FAM founder Eleanor Norcross!

The dealer contacted the museum, and the staff arranged to bring the painting to Fitchburg.

The painting, however, endured years of poor storage and use. Looking at the surface, you will see holes, dull color, cut corners and other damage. These are reminders of how fragile artworks can be when they are not properly cared for.

FAM plans to hire a specialist to examine the painting and advise us on a costly conservation process. After slow and careful treatment, the painting will look close to what the artist intended.