Lot 401: Sam Francis Monotype, Nude (Ghost Impression 2)

Samuel Lewis Francis (American, 1923-1994) monotype (ghost impression) on Arches paper that depicts a partial view of a nude woman in blue, green, yellow, red, and orange hues, 1987. A unique ghost impression printed after a monotype in a private French collection (Francis Archive SFM87-017). Unsigned. Unframed. Francis Archive SFM87-018 and included in “Sam Francis: Online Catalog Raisonne Project.” Plate: 21 15/16 in H x 28 7/17 in W. Sheet: 22 3/8 in H x 30 in W. Biography: Abstract Expressionist painter Sam Francis is known for splatter-stain painting and graphic art. Francis was born in California and studied at UC Berkeley. An air crash during his time in the Army Air Corps led to a prolonged recovery period during which he took up painting, he eventually earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in art from the University of California. Francis initially was part of the Bay Area abstract group that included his teacher David Park, along with Clyfford Still and Richard Diebenkorn. In 1950, as his work began to attract wider attention, he moved overseas to work in Paris, where he gained inspiration from the colors of the Impressionists and the Far East where he began experiments with negative space that would lead to his pioneering “empty center” paintings. In 1962, Francis settled back in Santa Monica where he continued to paint and create prints until his death in 1994. His work is known for its references to New York Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, Chinese and Japanese art, French Impressionism and his own Bay Area roots. (Sources: The Sam Francis Foundation; Marika Herskovic, American Abstract Expressionism of the 1950s, An Illustrated Survey; Peter Hastings Falk, ed., Who Was Who in American Art; Matthew Baigell, Dictionary of American Art.)

PROVENANCE: The estates of Walter and Dr. Mary Schatz, Nashville; A birthday gift from the artist to publisher and gallerist Paula Z. Kirkeby, owner of Smith Andersen Editions and Smith Andersen Gallery, Palo Alto, CA. 

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Circular area of soiling to upper left corner, 5/8 in dia. With pinholes to upper corners plus 2 in L dog-ear crease to upper left corner.