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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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Artist: Sam Francis
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,...
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1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching

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...
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1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

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

Exhibition Poster for Metaphysique de vide - Michel Waldberg
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Francis, Sam. Exhibition Poster for Metaphysique de vide- Michael Waldberg Ca 1980. Serigraph, Painter and printmaker who was prominent among the group of painters known as the ...
Category

1980s Contemporary Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

Untitled (SF-346)
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color lithograph on Waterleaf white wove paper. One of 25 Roman numeral impressions, aside from the Arabic numeral edition of 100. Signed and numbered ...
Category

1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

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

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

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...
Category

1980s Contemporary Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 272)
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
Sam Francis Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 272) 1986 Lithograph 30 x 22 in. H.C. (Edition of 20) Pencil signed and numbered
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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...
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

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
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

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
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

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

Sun Up - Abstract Expressionism American Art Post War
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Sun Up, 1964 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Inscribed Lithograph in Colours on BFK Rives...
Category

1960s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

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...
Category

1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
67.3 x 49.5 cms (26 1/2 x 19 1/2 ins) Edition of 7
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Untitled
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
Sam Francis Untitled Circa 1960 Lithograph, Edition of 40 71.9 x 50.8 cms (28.3 x 20 ins) SF17686
Category

1960s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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, 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, 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...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

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

Sam Francis -- Mehrfarbige Spirale
By Sam Francis
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Sam Francis Mehrfarbige Spirale, 1970 Signed in pencil Edition A.P. (the edition was 40) Image size: 60.4 x 45.3 cm Sheet size: 85 x 68 cm Published by The Litho Shop, Inc., Californ...
Category

1980s Sam Francis Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

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 (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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam Francis - Mehrfarbige Spirale - Hand-Signed Etching and Aquatint, 1970
By Sam Francis
Located in Varese, IT
Sam Francis ( 1923 - 1994 ) - Mehrfarbige spirale - hand-signed etching and aquatint - 40/40, 1970 Additional informaion: Material: Etching and aquatint on paper Edited in 1970 Limi...
Category

20th Century Sam Francis Art

Materials

Paper, Etching, Aquatint

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

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

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

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

Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 273)
By Sam Francis
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Sam Francis Untitled, from Michael Walberg Poemes dans le Ciel (Lembark 273) 1986 Lithograph 30 x 22 in. Edition of 100 ...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

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

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, 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

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...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Screen

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 (SFE-092), 1993
By Sam Francis
Located in London, GB
SAM FRANCIS 1923-1994 San Mateo, California 1923 – 1994 Santa Monica (American) Title: Untitled (SFE-092), 1993 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Numbered Aquatint in Colours on ...
Category

1990s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

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...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

Materials

Aquatint

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
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
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

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
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 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

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 (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...
Category

1980s Abstract Sam Francis Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

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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