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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Artist: Sam Francis
Recognized Seller Listings
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sklye by Sam Francis - Abstract Modern Work on Paper
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
*UK BUYERS WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL 5% IMPORT DUTY ON TOP OF THE ABOVE PRICE
Sklye by Sam Francis (1923-1994)
Acrylic on paper
14.6 x 10.2 cm (5 ³/₄ x 4 inches)
Signed, Sam Francis an...
Category
1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
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...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Monotype, Screen
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...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled, 1994 (SFP94-6)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled, 1994 (SFP94-6) is an acrylic painting on canvas, laid on board, from Francis' 'Last Works' collection. The canvas is 12.5 x 16 inches and stamped verso with the Sam Francis...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled, 1982 (SF82-254)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (SF82-254) from 1982 is an acrylic painting on paper, with an image size of 19.5 x 13.25 inches, signed and dated 'Sam Francis 1982' verso, a...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled, 1980 (SF80-107)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled, 1980 (SF80-107) is an acrylic painting on paper, signed and dated 'Sam Francis 1980' verso and framed in a contemporary, closed-corner, gold leaf frame. Painted to the edge...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Bright Web, 1973 (SF73-5)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bright Web is an acrylic on paper painting with an image size of 22 x 30 inches, signed and dated verso 'Sam Francis 1973 Tokyo' and framed in a custom, closed-corner, gold-leaf fram...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
The Upper Red, 1963 (SF-48)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Upper Red (SF-48) from 1963 is a lithograph on paper, image size 19.75 x 25.75 inches, signed 'Sam Francis' and annotated lower right, framed in a contemporary, light wood frame....
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, 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,...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled, 1963 (SF63-039)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (SF63-039) is an acrylic painting on paper, with an image size of 41 x 27.5 inches, signed 'Sam Francis' verso, and framed in a contemporary light wood frame.
Untitled, 196...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled, 1990 (SF-343, L.284)
By Sam Francis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (SF-343) from 1990 is a lithograph on paper, image size 46.5 x 30 inches, signed 'Sam Francis' lower left and annotated lower right. From the edition of 60, numbered 17/50 (...
Category
20th Century Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Paper, 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.
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 (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
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Acrylic
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- ...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Gouache
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...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Gouache
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...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Gouache
For the Blue Sons of the Air
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Screenprint in colours, 1990, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered from the edition of 150, published by American Indian Heritage Foundation, Falls Church, Virginia, 135.6 x 81....
Category
1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Screen
Sea Sail (SF-92)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Lithograph in colours, 1969, on BFK Rives paper, signed and inscribed ‘AP’ in pencil, an artists’s proof aside from the standard edition of 20, printed and published by Tamarind Lith...
Category
1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Lithograph
Sail I
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
101.6 x 71.1 cms (40 x 28 ins)
Edition of 40
Signed lower left; numbered lower centre, printer's chop lower right.
Publisher: Hollander's Workshop, New ...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Untitled (SFE-085)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Aquatint in colours, 1992, on wove paper, signed and annotated ‘trial proof’ in pencil, a trial proof aside from the standard edition of 28, printed and published by The Litho Shop, ...
Category
1990s Sam Francis Art
Materials
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 Rossi...
Category
1990s Sam Francis Art
Materials
Aquatint
Seal Sail (SF-92)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Lithograph in colours, 1969, on BFK Rives paper, signed and annotated ‘AP’ in pencil, an artist’s proof aside from the standard edition of 20, printed and published by Tamarind Litho...
Category
1960s Sam Francis Art
Materials
Lithograph
Untitled (SFP94-78) (SFF.1754)
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis
Untitled (SFF.1704)
1994
Acrylic on canvas
38.1 x 45.7 cms (15 x 18 ins)
Provenance:
Estate of the artist, California, 1994;
Galleri Faurschou, Copenhagen, June 1996;
...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Acrylic
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
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
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
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
Category
1990s Sam Francis Art
Materials
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
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
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Etching
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
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
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
Untitled (Black and White Composition)
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-War Sam Francis Art
Materials
Acrylic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Category
1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Lithograph
SELF-PORTRAIT
By Sam Francis
Located in Portland, ME
Francis, Sam. SELF-PORTRAIT. Lembark 52. Etching, 1982. Edition of 20, signed and numbered "1/20" in pencil. Printed on Fabriano Tiepolo paper, and published by 3EP, Ltd., Palo Alto,...
Category
1980s Sam Francis Art
Materials
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
Aquatint, monoprint with chine collé
85.7 x 68.6 cms (33 3/4 x 27 ins)
Edition of 19 variants
Category
1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
Monoprint, Aquatint
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
114.3 x 70.5 cms (45 x 27.76 ins)
Edition of 50
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
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
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Color, 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 (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
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
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
74.6 x 43.2 cms (29 3/8 x 17 ins)
Edition of 30
Plate: 60.3 x 25.1 cm (23 3/4 x 9 7/8 ins),
Sheet: 74.6 x 43.2 cm (29 3/8 x 17 ins)
Paper: Somerset Textured
Edition of 30
Proofs: I BAT, 3 AP, 3 CTP
Signed right, under image, numbered left, under image; publisher's chop lower right.
Publisher: The Litho Shop, Inc., Santa Monica, California
Printed by Jacob Samuel...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Aquatint, Color, Etching
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
86.4 x 71.8 cms (34 x 28.25 ins)
Edition of 17
Paper: Somerset Textured
Proofs: 9 AP, I CTP (on handmade paper)
Signed right, under image; numbered left, under image; publisher's chop lower right
Publisher: The Litho Shop Inc., Santa Monica, California
Printed by Jacob Samuel...
Category
1980s Sam Francis Art
Materials
Aquatint, Color
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.