Joseph Kleitsch (1883-1931) California School MOTHER’S WATCHFUL EYE, circa 1914 58 x 40¼ inches / 69½ x 53 framed Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right: “J. K[leitsch], C[hicago], 19**” Between 1912 and 1919, Joseph Kleitsch’s best works seemed to have been of people with whom he was familiar. Two of these paintings: In My Studio (1917) and Problematicus (1918) depict his wife Edna. MOTHER’S WATCHFUL EYE may also represent his wife with their one year old son, Eugene. As in Problematicus, the main figure in MOTHER’S WATCHFUL EYE is seen from the side while she gazes at an object within the painting. There are close resemblances in the hair style and facial structure between this mystery woman and Edna Kleitsch (notably Problematicus and The Oriental Shop) to speculate that she is the subject. By comparing the toddler in the picture to other portraits of Eugene including Portrait of Eugene Kleitsch (date unknown, collection of Robert Kleitsch) and Portrait of the Artist’s Son, Eugene (1922), it becomes possible that Kleitsch has painted a charming portrait of both his wife and son. Stylistically, the picture is a wonderful example of the type of painting which brought Kleitsch fame and accolades during his Chicago years. During this period, the artist brightened his palette and began using soft, almost tonalist light. MOTHER’S WATCHFUL EYE exhibits this “mellow luminosity”. The provenance, title and exhibition history of thie painting are unfortunately lost to us. Kleitsch exhibited quite often during his years in Chicago, both at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Palette and Chisel Club. It is likely that this picture was one of those exhibited. It is in the same mood as In My Studio and Problematicus, which were exhibited frequently. If MOTHER’S WATCHFUL EYE is a family portrait, it may be that Kleitsch chose to keep the picture in his studio after his move to California. Several of his outstanding paintings, such as Problematicus and The Oriental Shop were still in his studio when he died, and they were sold at auction in 1953. Perhaps due to the depression, he chose not to attempt to sell and thereby sacrifice his important paintings.

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