Skip to main content

Sam Francis Art

American, 1923-1994

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.

to
13
15
19
48
55
44
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
179
2
1
2
38
36
54
33
145
5
5
1
116
63
2
10
6
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
92
38
29
28
21
184
8,889
2,810
1,329
1,315
47
29
82
81
Artist: Sam Francis
Sam Francis -- Mehrfarbige Spirale
By Sam Francis
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Sam Francis Mehrfarbige Spirale, 1970 Signed in pencil Edition A.P. (the edition was 40) Image size: 60.4 x 45.3 cm Sheet size: 85 x 68 cm Published by The Litho Shop, Inc., Californ...
Category

1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Senza Titolo III
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
125 x 135.5 cms (49.21 x 53.35 ins) Edition of 76 76 numbered impressions and 14 artist's proofs Fabriano Rosaspina paper Signed in pencil, inscribed 'Bon a tirer'. Published ...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint, Color, Etching

Untitled (red down centre)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
117 x 76 cms (46 x 30 ins) Edition of 50
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
67.3 x 88.9 cms (26.5 x 35 ins) Edition of 50 Signed lower right, numbered lower left. Published by Nantenshi Gallery, Tokyo. Printed by Harumi Sonoyama at Gendai hanga Kobo Co...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Trietto III
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Trietto III, 1991 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Numbered Etching and Aquatint in Colour...
Category

1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Untitled, Artist Proof
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis was an American artist known for his exuberant large-scale abstract paintings. His practice incorporated elements from Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, Imp...
Category

1980s Contemporary Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

SAM FRANCIS Untitled (Lembark L172) 1974 Color Lithograph on paper, framed
By Sam Francis
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
SAM FRANCIS 1974 Lithograph in colors on Rives BFK paper 22.25 x 39 inches (55.9 x 99.1 cm) (sheet) Ed. 5/100 (there were also 9 artist's proofs). Lembark L172 Signed and numbere...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph

Untitled SF80-1191
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled SF80-1191, 1980 Technique: Stamp Signed Acrylic on tissue thin Japan paper Paper si...
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Acrylic

Sulfur Sail
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
97.5 x 66 cms (38 3/8 x 26 ins) Edition of 20
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

A Sail
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 is an exciting expression of color and movement formatted in a landscape orientation. Emblematic of two of the artist’s most recognized approaches, A Sail, 1...
Category

1960s Modern Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

A Sail
A Sail
$9,000 Sale Price
40% Off
SF64-045, Sam Francis, Acrylic, American Abstraction, Postwar, Work on paper
By Sam Francis
Located in Geneva, CH
SF64-045, Sam Francis, Acrylic, American Abstraction, Postwar, Work on paper 1964 Acrylic on paper 73 x 56.5 cm 94 x 75 cm / 37 x 29.5 in. (w...
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1995 Etching in colours, Edition of 35 53.3 x 45.7 cms (21 x 18 ins) SF17887
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching

Untitled, 1963
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created circa 1963, this color lithograph on Rives BFK paper is hand signed by Sam Francis in pencil in the lower right and inscribed “Special Proof Marlene” in pencil in the lower m...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled, 1963
Untitled, 1963
$9,000 Sale Price
40% Off
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. Composition by Sam Francis (1923-1994) Acrylic and paper collage on paper 57.2 x 81.3 cm (22 ¹/₂ x 32 inches) Stamped o...
Category

1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Untitled (SF-311), 1979
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled (SF-311), 1979 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Numbered Lithograph in Colours on...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
97.5 x 71.1 cms (38 3/8 x 28 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches Cover Signed lower left; numbered lower right, publisher's chop lower left.\Publisher: The Litho Shop, Inc., Santa Monica, California. Printed by George Page...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

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...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Yea II
By Sam Francis
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sam Francis (1923-1994) is one of the most distinctive and collected 20th century abstract artists. After serving in the air force in WW II, Francis returned to his native Californ...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Paint

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
86.4 x 116.8 cms (34 x 46 ins) Edition of 17 Colour Trial Proof
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Etching

Untitled SF79-011 (Acrylic Collage) - American Abstract Art 1986
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This is an acrylic painting with collage on wove paper by Sam Francis. It is hand signed in pencil "Sam Francis" and dated "1979! beneath the signature verso. It was painted in 1979...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Untitled SF64-572 (Acrylic Watercolour)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled SF64-572 (Acrylic Watercolour), 1964 Technique: Signed and Dated Acrylic and Waterco...
Category

1960s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor

Sam Francis -- Untitled (SFE-021)
By Sam Francis
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Sam Francis Untitled (SFE-021), 1984 Aquatint in colors with Chine collé on Japanese paper Signed lower right Edition 10/10 lower left Image size: 91 × 45 cm Sheet size: 112 × 65 cm...
Category

1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

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
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Yunan (State III)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
107.3 x 73 cms (42 1/4 x 28 3/4 ins) Edition of 15
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Etching

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1988 Lithograph, Edition of 48 113.3 x 74.3 cms (44.6 x 29.3 ins) SF17882
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 272)
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
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint and drypoint 75.9 x 60.6 cms (29 7/8 x 23 7/8 ins) paper size 60.3 x 45.4 cms (23 3/4 x 17 7/8 ins) plate size Edition of 5
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Drypoint, Aquatint

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1989 Aquatint, Edition of 20 44.5 x 32.4 cms (17 1/2 x 12 3/4 ins) 22.9 x 15.2 cms (9 x 6 ins) SF15235
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1993 Etching in colours, Edition of 25 61.6 x 51.4 cms (24.3 x 20.2 ins) SF17886
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1984 Etching and aquatint in colours, edition of 30, this is a colour trial proof 74.6 x 43.2 cms (29 3/8 x 17 ins) SF15201
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Senza Titolo II (Untitled II)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
86 x 107 cms (33 7/8 x 42 1/8 ins) Edition of 66
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Etching

Damp
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Damp 1969 Lithograph, Edition of 20 66 x 94 cms (26 x 37 ins) SF14868
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Mercury
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Mercury 1963 Lithograph on BFK Rives paper, Edition of 20 60 .3 x 47.6 cms (23 3/4 x 18 3/4 ins) SF16664 Literature: The Prints of Sam Francis: A Catalogue Raisonne 196...
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sam Francis - Michel Waldberg - Metaphysique Du Vid
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Exhibition Poster. Color lithograph 1986 Painter and printmaker who was prominent among the group of painters known as the seco...
Category

1980s Contemporary Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Damp
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
66 x 94 cms (26 x 37 ins) Edition of 20 Rives BFK paper Proofs: I BAT, 4 AP, 7 CTP, 9 XP Signed lower left; numbered lower left; publisher's chop lower left. Published by Tama...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Untitled (SFE-081)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint in colours, 1991, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered from the edition of 27, 61.6 x 44.5 cm.
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

King Corpse, 1986
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created in 1986, Sam Francis King Corpse, 1986 is a unique color trial proof screenprint on Arches cover paper hand signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in the...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

King Corpse, 1986
King Corpse, 1986
$16,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Untitled, 1988
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled, 1988 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Inscribed Screenprint in colours on wove p...
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

Trietto 4 (SFE-077 RC)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint in colours, 1991, on Fabriano paper, signed in pencil, one of 14 Artist’s Proofs in Roman Numerals, aside from the standard edition of 66, printed by Valter & Eleonora Rossi...
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

Untitled, 1985
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
This aquatint is hand-signed by Sam Francis (California, 1923- California, 1994) in pencil in the lower right and is a unique color trial proof aside from the edition of 30. Francis...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

Untitled, 1985
Untitled, 1985
$7,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1993 Etching in colours, Edition of 25 61.6 x 44.5 cms (24.3 x 17.5 ins) SF17885
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching

Untitled (CPT)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
91.4 x 81.6 cms (36 x 32 1/8 ins) Edition of 20
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Aquatint

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
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Blue Cut Sail
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
55.9 x 76.2 cms (22 x 30 ins) Edition of 20 Signed lower left verso, numbered lower left verso, publisher's chop lower left verso. Publisher: Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Los ...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Trietto 3 (SFE-076 RC)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint in colours, 1991, on Fabriano paper, signed in pencil, numbered from the edition of 66, printed by Valter & Eleonora Rossi at Vigna Antoniniana Stamperia d'Arte, Rome, publi...
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

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...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled SFE-003 (Blue, Red and Yellow) - American Abstract Expressionism
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled SFE-003 (Blue, Red and Yellow), 1982 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Inscribed E...
Category

1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Sun Up - Abstract Expressionism American Art Post War
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Sun Up, 1964 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Inscribed Lithograph in Colours on BFK Rives...
Category

1960s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (SF-314) Michel Waldberg: Sky Poems
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled (SF-314) Michel Waldberg: Sky Poems Michel Waldberg: Poèmes dans le Ciel...
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 273)
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Sam Francis Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 273) 1986 Lithograph 30 x 22 in. Edition of 100 ...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Spun for James Kirsch
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Sam Francis Spun for James Kirsch 1972 Screenprint 30 x 22 1/2 in. Edition of 100 Pencil signed & numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine A...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Plate size: 36.8 x 27. 3 cms (14 1/2 x 10 3/4 ins) Image size: 15.2 x 9.5 cms (6 x 3 3/4 ins) Edition of 20
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

Vegetable I, from Vegetable Series
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
Sam Francis (1923 - 1994), American) Vegetable I, from Vegetable Series 1971 Lithograph 35 x 24 in. Edition of 15 Pencil signed and numbered Samuel Lewis Francis (June 25, 1923 – November 4, 1994) was an American painter and printmaker. Early life Sam Francis was born in San Mateo, California, the son of Katherine Lewis Francis and Samuel Augustus Francis...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Framed
By Sam Francis
Located in Missouri, MO
Framed Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994) Edition 58/100 in pencil Lower Left Signed in pencil Lower Right 17 x 22 inches 25.5 x 30.5 inches An Abstract Expressionist* painter known ...
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Framed
Framed
Price Upon Request
Metal Field
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created in 1972, this work is a lithograph on wove paper that is hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right margin and is numbered ...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled SF78-94, 1978 (red acrylic)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled SF78-94, 1978 (red acrylic) Technique: Stamp Signed Acryl...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled (SF-344)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Untitled (SF-344), 1990 Signed and numbered with publisher's chop mark Lithograph in 5 colorson PTI #120 Waterleaf paper; torn and deckled edges 47.25 x 30 inches Edition of 50
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (SF-343)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Untitled (SF-343), 1990 Signed and numbered in pencil with publisher's chop mark Lithograph in 6 colors on PTI #120 Waterleaf paper 46.25 x 30 inches Edition of 50
Category

1990s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (SF-315)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Lithograph on Rives BFK paper Frame: 44 x 35.75 in. Signed and numbered in pencil Image drawn with water tusche directly on plates Lembark 271
Category

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Web (SFS-136)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Screenprint on wove paper Edition of 50 Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles Signed and numbered in pencil with studio blindstamp
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

Sam Francis art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Sam Francis art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, purple, orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Sam Francis in lithograph, etching, aquatint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Sam Francis art, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Robert Motherwell, Paul Jenkins, and Theodoros Stamos. Sam Francis art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $70 and tops out at $950,000, while the average work can sell for $8,000.

Artists Similar to Sam Francis

Recently Viewed

View All