SAM FRANCIS American, 1923-1994
Sketch SF65-076, 1965
Signed and Dated Acrylic on Paper
33 x 55.9 cm. / 13 x 22 in.
This is an acrylic painting on wove paper and is hand signed and dated by the artist in pencil “Sam Francis 1965”, verso.
It was painted in 1965.
It is also stamped with the Sam Francis Estate Stamp, verso.
It is also annotated in pencil "Sketch" below the signature in the artist's hand, verso.
This work is identified with the interim identification number SF65-076. in consideration for the forthcoming Sam Francis catalogue raisonné of unique works on paper.
Note:
In the 1960s Sam Francis explored what would come to be referred to as his “Edge paintings”. Sketch is a particularly early example of these edge paintings. The colour is restricted to the upper and right sheet edge exposing a vast white, untouched element of the composition made solely of the paper itself. Francis explored this on paper, canvas and in lithography into the early 1970s.
The edge paintings were admired not only by his fellow second wave of Abstract Expressionists but also by the Minimalists. Unlike his more recognisable drip style painting, in this work we see broad and bold brush strokes giving a sense of movement. The edges of each colour band sometimes blending to the next in drip motions, but the acrylic itself is not applied by drips.
Provenance: The Estate of the Artist, California
Private Collection, 2003
Condition: Very good condition. Very minor nicks to the sheet edges. Pinholes in corners originating during the artist’s process. Minor areas of skinning from previous hinging, verso.
It was painted in 1965.
It is also stamped with the Sam Francis Estate Stamp, verso.
It is also annotated in pencil "Sketch" below the signature in the artist's hand, verso.
This work is identified with the interim identification number SF65-076. in consideration for the forthcoming Sam Francis catalogue raisonné of unique works on paper.
Note:
In the 1960s Sam Francis explored what would come to be referred to as his “Edge paintings”. Sketch is a particularly early example of these edge paintings. The colour is restricted to the upper and right sheet edge exposing a vast white, untouched element of the composition made solely of the paper itself. Francis explored this on paper, canvas and in lithography into the early 1970s.
The edge paintings were admired not only by his fellow second wave of Abstract Expressionists but also by the Minimalists. Unlike his more recognisable drip style painting, in this work we see broad and bold brush strokes giving a sense of movement. The edges of each colour band sometimes blending to the next in drip motions, but the acrylic itself is not applied by drips.
Provenance: The Estate of the Artist, California
Private Collection, 2003
Condition: Very good condition. Very minor nicks to the sheet edges. Pinholes in corners originating during the artist’s process. Minor areas of skinning from previous hinging, verso.
$ 40,000.00
