IRVINE, CA.- A rare and historically-significant painting from 1925 by important California impressionist painter Joseph Kleitsch is on public display for the first time at The Irvine Museum. The painting can be seen in the museum's current exhibition, Masterpieces of California Art, through January 19, 2017.

"This is the most important painting by Kleitsch to have come to light, because of the subject (Laguna Beach in 1925), the size (a large 40 x 40 inches), and its unrivaled beauty," said Executive Director of The Irvine Museum, Jean Stern.

The painting, entitled The Drug Store, depicts Coast Road (PCH) unpaved, at the corner of Forest and Park in Laguna Beach, where the Rankin Drugstore once was.

The painting hung in a New York apartment for over 50 years. It was purchased by the then owner's mother directly from Kleitsch's widow in the late 1930s for $100. Current owners John and Patricia Dilks purchased the painting in early 2016.

This exhibition is the only chance to see this significant document of Laguna Beach history on public display, as the painting normally hangs in a private home.

Born in Hungary in 1882, Joseph Kleitsch began his career as an apprentice to a sign painter, but left after a short time to open a portrait studio. Although self-taught, he quickly earned a reputation as a gifted portraitist. Around 1901, he immigrated to Germany and then to the United States, living for short periods in Ohio, Colorado, Kansas, and Mexico. Around 1909, he moved to Chicago. There he was active with various arts organizations and clubs and received high praise for his works, which now included landscapes.

In 1920, Kleitsch moved to Southern California, establishing residency in Laguna Beach. Kleitsch was a bold colorist and employed a bravura brushstroke. He continued with his portrait work, as well as still lifes, landscapes, and seascapes. He held a deep affection for Laguna Beach and vowed to make many paintings of the community and its environs, very much aware that the charm of the small town would soon succumb to real estate development. He died in 1931.