Sam Francis
SAM FRANCIS "UNTITLED ETCHING" 1992
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 California gradually immersing himself in art making. By the end of the 1940's he was devoted to painting which led him to learn, exhibit and travel internationally.
In 1953 one of his canvases was included in the MoMA's seminal exhibition "Twelve Artists" which quickly led to his international reputation.
While Francis is stylistically associated with the second generation of abstract expressionist painters (like Helen Frankenthaler) he spent most of the 1950's moving around and working/exhibiting in places including Paris, Mexico City, New York City and Switzerland. As a result he is somewhat independent of the collectives and "isms" that are normally used to describe post-war abstraction.
The one consistent element in Francis' biography is his inimitable style; a combination of splatter and vaguely biomorphic forms executed in saturated primary colors where a pure white background is revealed or remains exposed.
In the 1980's, still residing in California, Francis increasingly devoted himself to printmaking. He would open a printmaking studio in Santa Monica and also started a publishing wing focused on creative texts.
Francis would die in 1994 from prostate cancer - yet the last two years of his life were quite prolific.
His work continues to be exhibited in major institutions around the world and sought after by top collectors. In 2010 his canvas entitled "Middle Blue" from 1957 sold at auction for $6.5 million, a record for the artist.
This etching is a perfect example of one of America's most collected and revered abstract painters. A great entry-level piece for a young collector or a smaller intimate work for a seasoned collector.
Additional images available on request.
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Signed and numbered 15/36 by the artist
16”H 13"W (work)
Excellent condition
Shipping: $75 for continental USA
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