The two “relatively unknown” paintings were part of the private collection of a State College couple, Kane said, before benefactor Bobby Maguire of Clinton County purchased the paintings at a Downington auction and decided they should be seen at the museum.

“I was born on a farm in Clearfield County with six siblings,” Maguire said. “We learned to share and to give.”

When Maguire, who learned about Roesen from the fame the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis brought to the artist, acquired the paintings, he decided he “should take the lessons learned” from his parents and childhood and “share.”

Maguire said he’s thankful to have had a successful career and to have the means to support the Rowley House Museum, on the corner of West Fourth and Walnut streets, noting income from the gas industry afforded him the chance to buy the Roesen paintings.

Roesen, a German-born artist who moved to Williamsport in 1858 and established a “Bohemian-style loft,” was known for his still-life paintings of flowers and fruit, Kane said. He is the first known artist to emulate the German still-life style from the 17th century. During his life, his art could be seen at the Herdic Hotel in Williamsport and, a century later, at the White House at Jackie Kennedy’s request. His paintings have also been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Modern Museum of Art and Whitney Museum of American Art.

Roesen was known for using flies and nests of eggs in his artworks, a nod to their symbolism. He is “thought to have been at the peak of what he did in Williamsport,” Kane said.

The two new additions to the Rowley House Museum are painted on wood, with no indication of ever having or needing repair. They both still bear labels from 1860s Williamsport. One of the paintings, featuring peaches, is noteworthy because Roesen paintings generally featured greater varieties of fruit and because the table on which the peaches are sitting has a table cloth — also uncommon in Roesen’s paintings.

Kane said the museum intends to continue researching the paintings’ history.

Kane also thanked the leadership of Preservation Williamsport, to whom he attributed the museum’s successes in recent years.

“We are blessed to have a broad knowledge on our board,” Kane said.

Preservation Williamsport is planning its annual “Boo from the Porch” fundraiser for Oct. 21. Kane said this year’s event will be a little different, as it will be centered on the Park Place building at Fourth and Campbell streets. Each porch-half will be decorated and offer different food and drinks, with Halloween-themed games, events and drawings, as well as an auction.