Sam Francis, A Sail, 1969

Artist: Sam Francis (1923 - 1994)
Title:A Sail, 1969
Reference:L 103
Medium:Color Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
Image Size:30 in x 22 in (76.2 cm x 55.9 cm)
Sheet Size:30 in x 22 in (76.2 cm x 55.9 cm)
Framed Size:37 5/8 in x 29 5/8 in (95.5 cm x 75.2 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 20 in pencil in the lower left; printed and published by Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Inc. Los Angeles, California.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower left.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-7952
$12,000 $5,000

Historical Description

Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 is an exciting expression of color and movement formatted in a landscape orientation. Emblematic of two of the artist’s most recognized approaches, A Sail, 1969 showcases his more painterly, quick and loose application.  Utilizing a simple palette of primary hues, Francis constructs this abstract image around the perimeter of the composition.  Going against conventions, the emphasis lies on the borders, with the prominent forms of a bold blue streak dominating the upper left side and lower right corner. Additional splatters and sweeping brushstrokes in red and yellow similarly gravitate towards the sheet edge, partially overlapping in areas. This interaction of color creates additional hues in the palette of green and orange from the intermixing of the slightly transparent inks. The open center is left mostly blank apart from sporadic drips and splashes of color which dissipate towards the middle.

Created in 1969, Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 is a color lithograph on Rives BFK paper and is hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower left.  Numbered from the edition of 20 in pencil in the lower left; printed and published by Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Inc. Los Angeles, California.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Lembark, Connie. W. The Prints of Sam Francis: A Catalogue Raisonné 1960-1990 Volume 1. New York: Hudson Hill Press. 1992. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné 103.
2. Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 , is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Sam Francis A Sail, 1969 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Under $15k Contemporary