Lot 754: Sam Francis Lithograph, Point

Samuel Lewis Francis (American, 1923-1994) lithograph on Arches paper “Point,” 1976. Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, with their blindstamp lower right margin. Signed and numbered 15/26 in pencil, lower margin. Ref.: Gemini 709, Lembark L188, Francis Archive SF-249. Floated under plexiglass in a modern wood frame with white mat. Sheet: 35 3/4 3/4 in. H x 35 3/4 in. W. Frame: 45 1/2 in. H x 45 1/2 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. 

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. With even toning to sheet. Frame with tidelines primarily to upper edge.