142: GENE KLOSS (1903-1996) PEITENTE FIRES SIGNED ETCHING

Gene Kloss (1903-1996)
Penitente Fires (1939)
The fine, dark aquatint etching impression, with exceptional burr, is from an edition of only 50 prints on Whatman paper and signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right, titled lower left.


The title Penitente Fires refers to intense, centuries old Spanish Colonial religious rituals during Holy Week in some areas of New Mexico. These include processions, reenactment of the Passion of Christ, and the use of fires during these rituals, serving as penance and spiritual purification.
Image measures 11 x 14, sheet is 13.25 x 16 inches.
Very good condition, apparently the full untrimmed sheet with ample margins, given that this print has never been framed, the work is not laid down, no damage, punctures, tears or repair. There is toning only in the lower margin and the right margin, as shown in the online images. There are brown paper tape hinges upper right and left margins on the face of the print.
$3,000 - $5,000