Sam Francis was an American artist known for his exuberantly colorful, large-scale abstract paintings. His practice incorporated elements from Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, Impressionism and Eastern philosophy to create a unique style of painterly abstraction.
Influenced by Jackson Pollock and Clyfford Still, Francis is more closely associated to the work of Helen Frankenthaler, as he was more interested in the formal arrangement of the picture plane than the expressivity of the individual artist. “Painting is about the beauty of space and the power of containment,” Francis once reflected.
Born on June 25, 1923 in San Mateo, California, Francis briefly served in the US Air Force during World War II but was injured during a test flight. Returning to California, he received his BA and MA from UC Berkeley in botany and psychology before beginning to pursue a career in art. The artist traveled widely during his career, and he was closely aligned with the Art Informel movement while living abroad in Paris during the 1950s.
Francis died on November 4, 1994 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 71. He was a founding trustee of Los Angeles’s Museum of Contemporary Art, and his paintings can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Kunstmuseum Basel, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, among others.
Find authentic Sam Francis art today on 1stDibs.
$7,500
Sam Francis - Deluxe Hand Signed & Numbered 25/30 - Carnegie Museum lithograph
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Untitled Abstract Expressionist lithograph (Hand Signed from the Carnegie Museum Deluxe Edition), 1972 Catalogue Raisonné: 155, Lembark Hand signed and numbered 25/30 on...
Lithograph
Circa 1950 Original lithograph of Sam Francis - Abstract - Signed by the artist
By Sam Francis
Located in PARIS, FR
Very nice original lithograph of Sam Francis. Samuel Lewis Francis (1923-1994) known as Sam Francis, is an American painter, famous for his non-figurative painting. He developed in...
Paper, Lithograph
$1,195
Sam Francis Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1964, Pink Venus Kiki, from 1¢ Life
By Sam Francis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Pink Venus Kiki Portfolio: 1¢ Life Medium: Lithograph Year: 1964 Edition Size: 2000 Frame Size: 20 5/8" x 28 3/4" Sheet Size: 16 1/8" x 22 1/4" Signature: ...
Lithograph
Untitled (Sf-263) - Lithograph by Sam Francis - 1963
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on BFK Rives-Velin, realized in 1981. Hand signed in pencil. One of 4 CTP Proofs, preceding the edition of 24. Printed by Georges Page at Litho Shop, Santa Monica. Blin...
Lithograph
Untitled (SF-351), Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) - Untitled (SF-351), Portfolio: Papierski Portfolio, Year: 1992, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 50...
Lithograph
Untitled (SF-329)
By Sam Francis
Located in Calabasas, CA
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Untitled (SF-329) Year: 1988 Medium: Lithograph on PTI #120 Waterleaf paper; deckled edges Edition: 50; signed and numbered in pencil Sheet: 45 x 28 inches...
Lithograph
Swatch : Color Explosion - Original lithograph (Mourlot, 1992)
By Sam Francis
Located in Paris, IDF
Sam FRANCIS Color explosion, 1992 Original lithograph Unsigned On Arches vellum 86.5 x 29.5 cm Numbered on the back Authenticated by Moulot blind stamp INFORMATION : Edited by Gale...
Lithograph
Sam Francis - Poster Exhibition - Lithograph by Sam Francis - 1983
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Sam Francis - Poster Exhibition is a mixed colored offset print realized in 1983. This print was realized in occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the artist and held in Studio Ma...
Lithograph
$1,500
Sam Francis McGovern '72 Poster (Hand signed by Sam Francis) Abstract lithograph
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis McGovern '72 Poster (Hand signed by Sam Francis), 1972 Photo offset poster (hand signed by Sam Francis) Signed in blue ink on the front by Sam Francis with Sam Francis co...
Lithograph, Offset
Untitled, 1994 (SFP94-36)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled, 1994 (SFP94-36) is an acrylic painting on canvas, from Francis' 'Last Works' collection. The canvas is 18 x 22 inches and stamped verso with the Sam Francis estate stamp. F...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sam Francis Abstract Lithograph, Signed, 1992, Untitled Yellow
By Sam Francis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Untitled Yellow Medium: Etching & aquatint in colors on wove paper Year: 1992 Edition Size: IX/XVIII Sheet Size: 36 1/8" x 39 3/8" Image Size: 23 1/4" ...
Etching, Aquatint
Untitled Etching by Sam Francis, Abstract Expressionist, Signed 12/18
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original artwork realized in 1989 by Sam Francis. Etching, Aquatint and monotype in colors on BFK Rives Edition including 18 color variations, this one is signed and...
Aquatint, Etching
Sam Francis - Poster Exhibition - Lithograph by Sam Francis - 1983
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Sam Francis - Poster Exhibition is a mixed colored offset print realized in 1983. This print was realized in occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the artist and held in Studio Ma...
Lithograph
$9,500
"Colors in Space II" (SF-95) Signed Printer's Proof Lithograph on Archival Paper
By Sam Francis
Located in Soquel, CA
"Colors in Space II" (SF-95) Signed Printer's Proof Lithograph on Archival Paper Bright and playful abstract composition by Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994). Splashes of yellow, or...
Archival Paper, Lithograph
Untitled (SF-355), Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) - Untitled (SF-355), Portfolio: Papierski Portfolio, Year: 1992, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 50...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled Circa 1960 Lithograph, Edition of 40 71.9 x 50.8 cms (28.3 x 20 ins) SF17686
Lithograph
Untitled Abstract Lithograph, Mixed Color, Artist's Proof, 1980
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an artwork realized in 1980 by Sam Francis. Mixed colored lithograph on BFK Rives. Hand signed on lower margin. Artist's proof. Litho Shop, Publisher and Printer, Sant...
Lithograph
Color Explosion - Original lithograph (Maeght 1983)
By Sam Francis
Located in Paris, IDF
Sam FRANCIS Color Explosion (c. 1983) Original lithograph Unsigned as issued On heavy paper 89.5 x 54 cm (c. 36 x 21 inch) Original lithographic exhibition poster for the artist Ret...
Lithograph
Untitled (SF53-040)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This work is from perhaps the most desireable period of Francis' work, this work is related to paintings held in major museum collections, such as Big Red, 1953 in the collection of ...
Watercolor
Senza Titolo I
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
125.5 x 135.5 cms (49.41 x 53.35 ins) Edition of 58 Signed in pencil, inscribed 'Bon a tirer'. Published by 2RC Edizioni d'Arte, Rome Printed by Vigna Antoniniana, Rome, with t...
Aquatint, Color, Etching
Untitled (Iron Forest)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis (1923-1994) Untitled (Iron Forest) 1989 Acrylic on prepared paper 91.4 x 182.9 cms (36 x 72 ins) SF012
Acrylic
$2,800
Lt Ed. Lithograph from the Deluxe (Hand Signed) 1984 Olympic Committee portfolio
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Untitled Abstract Expressionist print for the 1984 Olympics, 1982 Offset Lithograph on Parsons Diploma Parchment paper, hand signed with COA from publisher for Olympic Co...
Pencil, Lithograph, Offset
$1,295
Sam Francis Abstract Lithograph, 1964, Cloud Rock and Kayo 4 Years Old --Red Eye
By Sam Francis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Cloud Rock and Kayo 4 Years Old -- Red Eye Portfolio: 1¢ Life Medium: Two lithographs printed on full page sheet Date: 1964 Edition: 2000 Frame Size: 23" x...
Lithograph
Untitled - Etching and Aquatint Monotype by Sam Francis - 1989
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled (SFE-072) is an original contemporary artwork realized by Sam Francis in 1989. Etching and Aquatint Monotype with color variant on Rives BFK. Editor The Litho Shop santa Monica Jacob...
Etching, Aquatint, Monotype
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
Sam Francis Untitled, from Eight by Eight to Celebrate the Temporary 1984
By Sam Francis
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Untitled (from "Eight by Eight to Celebrate the Temporary Contemporary") Medium: Color Lithograph on Rives BFK Paper Year: 1984 Sheet Size: 42 1/8" x 28 7/...
Paper, Lithograph
Untitled Lithograph by Sam Francis, Abstract, Signed, 1986, Ed. 23/55
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original contemporary artwork realized by Sam Francis in 1986 Lithograph on BFK Rives. Hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left margin. Edition of 23/55. Dryp stamp of the Editor The Litho Shops Inc Santa Monica. George Page...
Lithograph
Tokyo Mon Amour - Lithograph by Sam Francis - 1963
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Tokyo Mon Amour is an artwork realized by Sam Francis (1923 San Mateo, California) in 1963. Color lithograph. Hand signed and numbered 4/25. 80x47 cm not framed. Printed by Joe ...
Lithograph
Untitled (SFE-118), Abstract Expressionist Aquatint by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) - Untitled (SFE-118), Year: 1993-94, Medium: Aquatint, numbered in pencil and signature embossed, Edition: 4/20, Image Size: 35.75 x 18 inch...
Aquatint
![UNTITLED (1969), [SF69-005], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-untitled-1969-sf69-005-abstract-painting-by-sam-francis-for-sale/a_15452/a_90690721637188535436/50522033_1__master.jpg?width=240)
![UNTITLED (1969), [SF69-005], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-untitled-1969-sf69-005-abstract-painting-by-sam-francis-for-sale-picture-2/a_15452/a_9069072/Lot_33_Francis_1637129255909_master.JPG?width=240)
$44,000Sale Price|24% Off
UNTITLED (1969), [SF69-005], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sam Francis (1923‐1994) UNTITLED [SF69-005] acrylic on paper 104.7 x 74.9 cm (41 1/4 x 29 1/2 in) Executed in 1969 Signed and dated on the base This work is identified with the int...
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled Lithograph by Sam Francis, 1992, Signed, Ed. 12/50
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original artwork realized by Sam Francis in 1992. Mixed colored lithograph on velin paper. Hand signed and numbered oon the lower margin. Edition of 12/50 The Litho...
Lithograph
$15,000
Sam Francis Karel Appel & Walasse Ting - lithographs, hand signed, 85/100 Framed
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
From the rare, fully signed edition of One Cent Life - only 100 examples were hand signed by the artists. Exceptional provenance from Robert Indiana's estate. Sam Francis, Karel App...
Lithograph
Untitled (SF-356)
By Sam Francis
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Artwork size: 76 × 119 cm. Frame size 97 x 138 x 3 cm. Museum glass anti-reflective. Signed and numbered 46/50 by the artist. Sam Francis Archive Number: SF-356. Original lithog...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
114.3 x 70.5 cms (45 x 27.76 ins) Edition of 50
Color, Lithograph
Untitled (SF64-048)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
From the series Blue Balls, (1960-63). This series preoccupied Francis for a number of years, and as William C. Agee pointed out, are rooted in his threatened physical body. Again, t...
Acrylic
$10,000
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
67.3 x 49.5 cms (26 1/2 x 19 1/2 ins) Edition of 7
Color, Lithograph
Untitled, 1970 (SF68-44)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (SF68-44) from 1970 is an acrylic painting on paper with an image size of 41 x 27.5 inches, signed and dated 'Sam Francis 1970' verso, and framed in a custom, closed-corner,...
Paper, Acrylic
Sam Francis Black Stone lithograph (Sam Francis Prints)
By Sam Francis
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Vintage 1960s Sam Francis Lithograph: Sam Francis, "Blackstone," 1964. Lithograph in colors. 16 x 23 inches (Dimensions including frame: 27.5 x 21.5 inches). Framed in glass. Cente...
Lithograph
Untitled (SF64-121)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled (SF64-121) 1964 Gouache and oil on paper 69.9 x 104.4 cms (27 1/2 x 41 1/8 ins) SF14605 Exhibited: New York, 'Chamberlain/Francis', Van Doren Waxter, July 11- ...
Gouache
Untitled SF73-681 - American Abstract Art 1973
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This is an acrylic painting on wove paper by Sam Francis. It was painted in 1973. It is stamp signed with the two ink stamps of the Sam Francis Estate, verso. This work is identifi...
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled SF85-19 - Painting American Abstract Expressionism
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This is an oil painting on canvas by Sam Francis. It was painted in 1985. It is hand signed and dated in red pencil by the artist “Sam Francis 85” [2985], verso. This work is ident...
Canvas, Oil
Chinese Wall
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Chinese Wall 1969 Lithograph, Edition of 20 76.5 x 57.2 cms (30 1/8 x 22 1/2 ins) SF15156
Lithograph
Abstract composition - Original lithograph
By Sam Francis
Located in Paris, IDF
Sam FRANCIS Abstract composition (c. 1986) Original lithograph Unsigned as issued Justified bottom right "Lithographie originale de Sam Francis - Atelier d'Art Desjobert" On l...
Lithograph
Untitled (#2 Pri-Rain) (SF64-592)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled (#2 Pri-Rain) (SF64-592) 1964 Gouache on paper 57.2 x 75.6 cms (22 1/2 x 29 3/4 ins) Frame size: 82.9 x 103.2 cms (32 5/8 x 40 5/8 ins) SF14652 $300,000 Exhibit...
Gouache
Untitled, 1981, Sam Francis Monotype
By Sam Francis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Untitled, 1981, unique embossed monotype print on handmade paper. Created at the Institute of Experimental Printmaking by lauded American artist, Sam Francis (1923-1994). The Sam Fra...
Paint, Paper
Untitled (Fondation Maeght)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color offset lithograph on Arches. Signed and numbered 17/75 in pencil by Francis. Printed by Imprimerie Arte, Paris. Published by the Fondation Maeght...
Color, Offset
Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 272) Lithograph
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
Sam Francis Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 272) 1986 Lithograph 30 x 22 in. H.C. (Edition of 20) Pencil signed and numbered
Lithograph
Untitled Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis, 1992, Artist's Proof
By Sam Francis
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original artwork realized by Sam Francis in 1992. Mixed colored lithograph on velin paper. Hand signed on the lower margin. Artist's proof, aside of the numbered edi...
Lithograph
Untitled, c.1974-1976 (SF129s)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (SF129s) dating to c.1974-1976 is a mixed media, silkscreen monotype on handmade paper, 30 x 22.5 inches sheet size and estate-stamped verso (copy of Francis estate certific...
Monotype, Screen
An Other Set (Y) – From the Pasadena Box
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis An Other Set - Y (From The Pasadena Box) 1964 Lithograph, Edition of 100, experimental proof 39.4 x 57.2 cms (15.51 x 22.52 ins) SF15493
Lithograph
![The Yellow and Black Square (1959), [SF58-133], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-the-yellow-and-black-square-1959-sf58-133-abstract-painting-by-sam-francis-for-sale/a_15452/a_90688921635810178035/Sam_Francis_The_Yellow_and_White_Square_jpeg_master.jpg?width=240)
![The Yellow and Black Square (1959), [SF58-133], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-the-yellow-and-black-square-1959-sf58-133-abstract-painting-by-sam-francis-for-sale-picture-2/a_15452/a_90688921635810318256/SAM_FRANCIS_THE_YELLOW_AND_THE_WHITE_SQUARE_FRAMED_master.jpg?width=240)
$110,000
The Yellow and Black Square (1959), [SF58-133], Abstract Painting by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sam FRANCIS (1923-1994) THE YELLOW AND WHITE SQUARE Signed, titled and dated 1959 on the reverse Watercolor on paper 11 by 10 in. (27.9 x 25.4 cm.) Executed in 1959 This work is identified with the interim identification number of SF58-133 in consideration for the forthcoming Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Unique Works on Paper. PROVENANCE Zoe Dusanne...
Paper, Watercolor
Senza Titolo II, 1987
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
his Sam Francis Senza Titollo, 1987 is etching, aquatint and drypoint in colours hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right and num...
Etching, Aquatint, Drypoint
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Sam Francis, Untitled (SFE-006), 1982
By Sam Francis
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Sam Francis (1923-1994) Title: Untitled (SFE-006) Year: 1982 Medium: Intaglio with chine-colle on paper Edition: CTP (Colored Trial Proof); 17, plus proofs Paper size: 29.38 ...
Intaglio, Chine Colle
$60,000
Untitled, SF78-255 - Acrylic Painting with Watercolour American Abstract Art
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled SF78-255 (Acrylic), 1978 Technique: Signed and Dated Acrylic on BFK Rives Paper Pap...
Acrylic
Untitled (SF-272)
By Sam Francis
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Artwork size : 107 × 73 cm Frame size : 127,5 x 93 x 3 cm Signed and numbered TP (Trial proof) aside from the edition of 250, 30 artist's proofs and 1 BAT. Sam Francis Archive Numb...
Lithograph
Composition by Sam Francis - Abstract, mixed media
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
*PLEASE NOTE UK BUYERS WILL ONLY PAY 5% VAT ON THIS PURCHASE. Once an order is placed we will arrange the VAT of 20% to be reduced to 5% Composition by Sam Francis (1923-1994) Acryl...
Paper, Acrylic
$13,500
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1991 Etching in colours, Edition of 19, Colour Trial Proof 119.4 x 71.1 cms (47 x 28 ins) SF17883
Etching
Untitled (SF 349), from: Papierski Portfolio 1973/84
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled (SF 349), from: Papierski Portfolio 1973/84 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Insc...
Lithograph
Untitled SF50-001
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis (1923-1994) was an American abstract painter, born in San Mateo, California. He turned to painting in the aftermath of World War II whilst recovering from severe injuries...
Egg Tempera
$10,000
Sam Francis - Abstract Expressionist lithograph, Signed/N from Wolf Kahn Estate
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
SAM FRANCIS Affiche Moderna Museet Stockholm (Catalogue Raisonne Lembark-16, p.66), 1960 Color lithograph on Rives BFK Paper with deckled edges Pencil signed lower right of center; n...
Lithograph
Composition in Red
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Composition in Red c. 1960 Gouache on paper 52.5 x 24.5 cms (20 11/16 x 9 11/16 ins) SF14434 $125,000 Exhibited: Bernard Jacobson Gall...
Gouache