Sam Francis, Untitled c. 1982-1986, is nothing short of grandeur. This superb work contains a palette of imagination with the uses of green, red, yellow, blue, and purple. The strong yellow pigment used in the circular shape enriches the splash of dark blue. Francis entices the viewer to focus on this source of energy that undulates throughout the rest of the work. As we move from the more poignant yellow and blue colors, we see that the surface is chalk full of energy built up in spurts of tension. The energy has the capacity to jump from one corner to another without making one feel overwhelmed. The mix of paint splatters, lines, and globular forms encompasses a kind of dynamism. With the scarlet red scattered across the peripheral of the piece and sea-green accented on top, the audience can gauge how well opposing colors attract. Truly, what we see here is the mastery and high caliber of skill that Francis showcases in this grand synthesis of controlled chaos. In other words, he maintains the compositional flow. The large usage of white has a complete life of its own. The white space is strategically used to characterize the more vibrant colors here in this piece. So in turn, these empty spaces become central to the balance and equilibrium of the entire work.

Created c. 1982-1986, this unique original monotype with oil paint, dry pigment, and ink on handmade paper is hand signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Sam Francis, Untitled c. 1982-1986, 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 c. 1982-1986, is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.