Gene Kloss Etching “Fiesta Parasol” [R]

New Mexico was most fortunate that California native Alice Geneva Glasier married Phillips Kloss in 1924 and the couple chose to explore the Southwest United States on their honeymoon.  They both fell in love with Taos—its mountains, natural beauty, Native culture, adobe houses and the quaint plaza.  They spent the remainder of their lives there except for a brief time in Colorado that was shortened because of allergies.

Kloss had brought with her on their honeymoon a small etching press and that, along with a larger etching press purchased in Taos, set her career.  She simplified her name to Gene Kloss and over the next 70 years, produced over 600 copper plate etchings.  She never worked from photographs but sketched directly at the scene of interest.  She produced what she wanted to paint or etch without regard for financial gain although she did do well in her career.

This etching entitled "Fiesta Parasol" is a scene at an unidentified pueblo dance or ceremony, most probably Taos Pueblo, showing several groups of men and women chatting away during a rest break during the dance.  It is number 38 of an edition of 75 and signed in lower right.  It is matted but not framed.

Condition: original condition; unframed; shown above in a plastic sleeve with black borders (for protection). 

Provenance: from a resident of Iowa

Recommended Reading:  Gene Kloss Etchings with text by Phillips Kloss