Sam Francis Untitled, 1986  Poemes dans le ciel embodies the artist’s acclaimed moniker as a colorist through strategic layering of color and energetic mark making. Francis’ fascination with the process of creating lithographs is apparent in the way the colors are purposefully translucent. The transparency of the colors permits visual penetration into each layer, exposing the order in which Francis layered the colors. A deep blue circular layer acts as the focal point of the piece and reveals beneath it splatters of orange, yellow and teal. These colorful accents add depth and brightness to the overall composition, pulling the viewer’s eye all around the work. The drips and splatters in Untitled, 1986 draw attention to Francis’ hand as an artist, solidifying in visual form the act of creating. Although splattering is by nature a spontaneous method of expression, the compositional balance within this work attests to Francis’ creative control.

Created in 1986, this color lithograph on Rives BFK paper is hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923 - Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right image and numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower left image.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 Poemes dans le ciel 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. The Prints of Sam Francis Catalogue Raisonné 1960-1990. New York: Hudson Hills Press, 1992. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. L272, SF 316.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 Poemes dans le ciel is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.