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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.

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Period: 1970s
Artist: Sam Francis
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 Abstract Expressionist lithograph, from Carnegie Museum (155 Lembark)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Untitled (from Fresh Air School), 1972 Lithograph on wove paper, for the Carnegie Museum of Art 15 × 22 inches Limited Edition of 6,000 (unsigned edition; there is a sepa...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Deluxe Hand Signed & Numbered 25/30 Cat: Lembark 155 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 15 × 22 inches Hand signed and nu...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Pencil, Lithograph

Untitled SF-221 (variation), Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
This bright lithograph by Sam Francis is an unsigned test print in an alternate color. It was printed by the Litho Shop in Santa Monica, California. Untitled SF-221 (variation) Sam ...
Category

1970s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled SF-221, Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
A signed and numbered abstract print by Sam Francis. This bold composition is made up entirely of black on white and lithographed o...
Category

1970s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Dark Plated, Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
A signed and numbered abstract print by Sam Francis. This bold composition is made up entirely of two tones, black and brown, on wh...
Category

1970s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Untitled, 1975 Lithograph 29 1/4 x 22 1/4” Edition of 125
Category

1970s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Offset, Lithograph

Smoke Sulphur SFE-183
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Lithograph in colors, on Rives BFK paper, 1973 Signed in pencil, numbered 16/30 Published by The Litho Shop, Inc. California with their blindstamp Very good condition Sam Francis w...
Category

1970s Contemporary Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Untitled, 1975 Lithograph 29 1/4 x 22 1/4” Edition of 125 Unique Color Trial Proof
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Self Portrait (SF-050), Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Self Portrait (SF-050) Sam Francis, American (1923–1994) Date: 1975 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 16/20 Size: 41 x 29.5 in. (104.14 x 74.93 cm) Printer: The Li...
Category

1970s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Untitled, 1979 Lithograph 22 1/8 x 18 1/8” Edition of 100 Unique color trial proof
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Vegitable II
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Vegetable ll , 1971 Hand-signed Lithograph in colors 35 x 24 in 14/15
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (Lembark L172)
By Sam Francis
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
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). Signed and numbered in pencil along lower ed...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph

No title
By Sam Francis
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1971 Handsigned by the artist in pencil Trial proof signed and annotated "Variant I" on the back Printer : Litho Shop (Santa Monica) Catalog : SF 109 LCD5003
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

Abstract Lithograph by Sam Francis, 1976
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) Title: Untitled (SF-208) Year: 1976 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 25/30 Size: 33 x 25 in. (83.82...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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 ...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Firewood
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Firewood, 1973 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Numbered Screenprint in Colours on Wove Pa...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

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

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
By Sam Francis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Lithograph 38 3/8 x 28 inches Signed Lower Right Dated and Numbered 25/28 Lower Left
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sam Francis Signed, Limited Edition Abstract Expressionist Print
By Sam Francis
Located in San Rafael, CA
Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994) Untitled (SF-233), 1977 Lithograph in black on Rives BFK paper, Pencil signed lower right Edition 6/20 Printed by George Page and published by The Litho Shop, Santa Monica, CA. Image: 26in H x 16in L. Full sheet: 30in H x 22in L In vintage acrylic box...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled 1978 Lithograph, Edition of 15, 11 unique colour variants This is one of the unique colour variants 129.7 x 129.9 cms (51.1 x 51.1 ins) SF17881
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (SF-348) (Fresh Air School) /// Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
By Sam Francis
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994) Title: "Untitled (SF-348) (Fresh Air School)" Portfolio: Fresh Air School *Unsigned edition Year: 1972 Mediu...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

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

Ariel's Ring
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Sam Francis Ariel's Ring 1972 Screenprint 40 3/4 × 50 5/8 in Edition of 80 Pencil signed & numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art Con...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

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 ...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

ABS, Lithograph, Archival Paper

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

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...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Paper Weight
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Lithograph in colors on wove paper 43.2 x 55.9 cms (17 x 22 ins) Edition of 38
Category

1970s 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

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...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

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

Another Footprint
By Sam Francis
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original lithograph printed in colors from four aluminum plates on BFK Rives wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil, Sam Francis. A superb trial proof impression, one of only five such...
Category

1970s Post-War Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (SF-128C)
By Sam Francis
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original lithograph printed in colors on BFK Rives wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil Sam Francis. A superb impression of the only state, from the edition of 16, numbered in pencil ...
Category

1970s Post-War Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Concert Hall Set III
By Sam Francis
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original lithograph printed in 6 colors (yellow, yellow-green, light blue, magenta, turquoise, dark blue) from 6 aluminum plates on BFK Rive wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower r...
Category

1970s Post-War Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Concert Hall Set III
By Sam Francis
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original lithograph printed in 6 colors (yellow, yellow-green, light blue, magenta, turquoise, dark blue) from 6 aluminum plates on BFK Rive wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower r...
Category

1970s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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.

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