Kathleen Keane "Patchwork Kite" 1974 Mixed Media Figural Painting

Large-scale mixed media composition by American painter and journalist Kathleen Keane (Wilmington, Delaware), titled Patchwork Kite and inscribed verso with the artist's name, title, address (Box 467, Mendenhall, PA), and a $1,000 original price. Three children in knit caps and loose garments tumble across a circular field of pieced calico, floral cottons, and printed papers, the composition layering oil, gesso, fabric, and collaged paper on canvas. Charcoal contours and bare canvas passages give the figures a worked, drawing-forward presence; the word "PAX" and the repeated word "PEACE" appear within the collage, anchoring the work to its early-1970s moment. Signed lower left: Keane.

Keane's first solo exhibition was held at the Connoisseur Gallery, Ocean City, New Jersey, May–June 1974, and the Mendenhall, Pennsylvania address inscribed verso places this canvas firmly within that period of her practice. Presented in a beveled wood frame with gray-painted inner molding and dark outer band.

CONDITION

Good overall. Surface presents well with stable paint, intact collage elements, and legible signature; light overall craquelure consistent with mixed-media build-up on canvas. Water staining is present on the rear dust panel and does not affect the artwork. Frame shows minor wear to painted finish.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall (framed): 54 1/4" H × 40 3/8" W × 2" D
• Visible (sight): 49 1/4" H × 35 3/8" W
• Medium: Oil, fabric, gesso, and paper on canvas panel
• Signed lower left: Keane
• Inscribed verso: Kathleen Keane / Patchwork Kite / Box 467, Mendenhall, PA / Acrylic / $1000
• Date: c. 1974 (consistent with Mendenhall, PA address and Connoisseur Gallery exhibition period)
• Frame: Beveled wood, gray and dark red painted finish