Bidspirit auction | Gene Kloss (1903-1996)

Gene Kloss (1903-1996) - GENE KLOSS (1903-1996) RARE 1934 PENCIL SIGNED AQUATINT. Gene Kloss (1903-1996) Winter Mass Circa 1935 The rare and desirable aquatint with drypoint from an edition believed to be fewer than 50 impressions is signed by the artist lower right and titled lower left. Ten years before this print was made, Gene Kloss, quite by accident, was introduced to etching by Perham Nals, her teacher of anatomy and life class at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The last semester of her final year, Nals, as an aside, gave a 'seminar' in etching. She remarked, ' I had seen in his back office this big old, hundred-year-old Star Wheel press and it fascinated me and the work I had seen him do.' With Nals' assistance she produced her first etching, prompting him to say 'If this is your first etching, you are going to be an etcher.' The rest is art history. Gene Kloss' mastery of printmaking is already evident in this early impression. She conveys a sense of quiet and devotion and ascent with her depiction of the figures breaking paths in the contours of the fresh, luminous snow. The adobe chapel and the fading light are produced in a rich, velvety burr. This is a fine and strong, darkly inked impression. According to all major art auction record databases and online bidding platforms, this marks the first appearance of this print at auction in at least 40 years. This could be the only opportunity one has to obtain this important image, particularly in nice condition. Plate size 9.75 x 14, sheet measures 15 x 17.25, the frame is 24.5 x 27.5 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Condition Very good condition, apparently the full untrimmed sheet, wide margins. not laid down, no damage, stain, punctures or tears. Provenance An heirloom descended through a Texas family.