Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 stands out among the artist’s body of work as a chromatically playful composition. Much of Francis’ oeuvre features the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, but this particular work contains their more complex color subsidiaries, such as pink, teal, and golden orange. A line of navy blue stretches from the top to the bottom of the work and bows out to the right, severing the composition in two. A circular teal shape fills the upper right corner, while a lip-like scarlet shape lies in the lower left corner. The opposing positions of these two prominent shapes interact with the curvature of the navy blue line to create visual balance. Splatters and lose drips infiltrate the composition to create organic, crisscrossing movement as various colors layer over each other. The handmade paper on which these colors interact is tinted a pale beige that balances the vivid colors on its surface with an earthy touch. A uniquely vibrant work, Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 represents a beautiful example of the artist’s expert understanding of color theory and compositional balance.

Created on 1986, Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 is a monotype in colors on hand made paper. This work is stamped with the artist’s stamp signature and Sam Francis Estate stamp on verso.

Provenance: The Sam Francis Estate, CA

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 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. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Sam Francis Untitled, 1986 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.