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
Dealer: Bernard Jacobson Gallery
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
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
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
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 (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
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
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
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
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
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 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 (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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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
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 (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
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
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
Category
1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art
Materials
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
Aquatint, Monoprint
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
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
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
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
Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
64.8 x 46.3 cms (25 1/2 x 19 ins)
Edition of 3
Paper: Rives BFK
Proofs: 1 UP (Hand colored)
Signed lower left, numbered lower left.
Publisher: Joseph Press...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
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
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
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
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
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...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art
Materials
Aquatint, Color, Etching
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.