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.
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
Sketch SF65-076 - American Abstract Art 1965
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This is an acrylic painting on wove paper and is hand signed and dated by the artist in pencil “Sam Francis 1965”, verso. It was painted in 1965. It is also stamped with the Sam Fra...
Paper, Acrylic
$10,000
Deep Blue
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 Californi...
Lithograph
An 8 Set - 7 - From the Pasadena Box
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Lithograph 38.4 x 56.5 cms (15 1/8 x 22 1/4 ins) Edition of 100
Lithograph
$10,000Sale Price|41% Off
People's Jade, 1971
By Sam Francis
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created in 1971, Sam Francis People's Jade, 1971 is a color lithograph on Strathmore 100 percent rag paper hand signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil ...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1968 Lithograph, Edition of 3, experimental proof 66 x 47 cms (26 x 18 1/2 ins) SF15155
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...
Lithograph
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
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1991 Etching in colours, Edition of 27 61.6 x 44.5 cms (24.3 x 17.5 ins) SF17884
Etching
![Untitled SF75-040 [Mandala] - American Abstract Art 1975 Mandala](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-untitled-sf75-040-mandala-american-abstract-art-1975-mandala-for-sale/a_180/1747484785574/12252_01_master.jpg?width=240)
![Untitled SF75-040 [Mandala] - American Abstract Art 1975 Mandala](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/sam-francis-paintings-untitled-sf75-040-mandala-american-abstract-art-1975-mandala-for-sale-picture-2/a_180/a_163414121747484863916/12252_02_master.jpg?width=240)
Untitled SF75-040 [Mandala] - American Abstract Art 1975 Mandala
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This is an acrylic painting on wove paper by Sam Francis. It was painted in 1975. It is stamp signed with the two ink stamps of the Sam Francis Estate, verso. This work is identifi...
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled (CPT)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
91.4 x 81.6 cms (36 x 32 1/8 ins) Edition of 20
Color, Aquatint
Untitled SFE-003 (Light Blue) - American Abstract Expressionism
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
This original etching and aquatint in colours is hand signed by the artist in pencil "Sam Francis" at the lower right margin. It is also hand inscribed in pencil “CTP” [Colour Trial...
Etching, Aquatint
Bright Jade Ghost
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 California immersin...
Lithograph
Untitled III
By Sam Francis
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Sam Francis Untitled III 1986 Etching and Aquatint, copy 64/76 Hand signed Published by 2RC Edizioni d'Arte, Rome Catalog raisonné reference: (SFE - 066) 88 x 99 cm (plate size) - 1...
Etching, Aquatint
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...
Color, 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...
Lithograph
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...
Paper, Acrylic
$7,500
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
Lithograph
$3,950
Yunan I
By Sam Francis
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A preeminent figure in 20th century abstraction, Sam Francis (1923-1994) is renowned for his dynamic and colorful works. Printmaking was an essential part of Francis' practice. The ...
Archival Paper, ABS, Lithograph
$24,000
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...
Etching, Aquatint
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...
Screen
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...
Acrylic, Watercolor
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 ...
Aquatint, Color, Etching
Untitled (Black and White Composition) - Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1988
By Sam Francis
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Sam Francis. "Untitled (Black and White Composition)" is an abstract expressionism painting, acrylic on paper executed in black and white by American Post-War artist Sa...
Acrylic, Paper
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 ...
Color, Lithograph
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
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...
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
Aquatint
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, monoprint with chine collé 84.5 x 68.6 cms (33 1/4 x 27 ins) Edition of 22 variants
Color, Aquatint
$7,500
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...
Color, Lithograph
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
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
Etching, Aquatint
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 R...
Aquatint
$9,000Sale Price|40% Off
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...
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.
Aquatint
$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
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
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
Aquatint
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...
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...
Lithograph
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Screen
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Aquatint
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
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
Lithograph
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
Etching
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
Etching
Smoke Sulfur
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
64.8 x 85.7 cms (25.5 x 33.75 ins) Edition of 30 Paper: Rives BFK Proofs: 1 BAT, 6 AP (I on Japanese paper), I CTP Signed lower right; numbered lower left; publisher's cho...
Color, Lithograph
Yunan (State I)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
106.7 x 72.4 cms (42 x 28 1/2 ins) Edition of 15 Paper: Arjomari Proofs: 1 BAT, 4 AP, 3 TP Signed lower right of centre; numbered lower left; publisher's chop lower right Publisher: Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles (SF71 - 407A) Printed by Lloyd Baggs, assisted by Ron Adams...
Color, Lithograph
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...
Etching, Aquatint
Price Upon Request
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 ...
Color, Lithograph
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 ...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
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...
Acrylic
Price Upon Request
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
Lithograph