Sam Francis (1923 - 1994) - photo 1

Sam Francis

Samuel Lewis Francis, an American painter and printmaker, was known for his pivotal role in postwar American painting and his contributions to the Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting movements. Born in San Mateo, California, Francis' early life was marked by a deep personal loss and a significant injury during his service in the Army Air Corps, which led him to pursue painting while recovering in a hospital. His work, characterized by splashes of bright contrasting colors against expansive white canvases, drew international acclaim, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscoring his influence on the global art scene​.

Francis' art evolved through various phases, from monochromatic works to vibrant, large-scale pieces, and was deeply influenced by his time in Paris and Japan, reflecting elements of Tachisme and possibly Zen Buddhism. Notable for creating large murals and his "Edge" series, Francis also founded The Lapis Press, further contributing to the art community by producing visually compelling texts. Despite facing health challenges towards the end of his life, he remained prolific, leaving behind a legacy celebrated through the Sam Francis Foundation, which aims to perpetuate his creative legacy​​​​.

Francis' artworks are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Centre Pompidou-Musee National d'Art Moderne, Paris, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary art. His auction records and continued recognition in solo exhibitions posthumously underscore the lasting impact of his work on both collectors and the art community​​​​.

For those passionate about modern art and its history, staying informed about Samuel Lewis Francis' contributions and the ongoing exhibitions of his works can be enriching. Sign up for updates related to Francis to ensure you don't miss out on new sales and auction events showcasing his vibrant legacy.

Date and place of birt:25 june 1923, San Mateo, USA
Date and place of death:4 november 1994, Santa Monica, USA
Nationality:USA
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Graphic artist, Painter
Art school / group:Washington Color School
Art style:Abstract Expressionism, Modern art, Post-painterly abstraction, Post War Art, Tachisme, Contemporary art
Sam Francis. Blue-Green - Now at the auction

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Creators USA

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Luigi Lucioni
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Todd Bienvenu (1980)
Todd Bienvenu
1980
Tauba Auerbach (1981)
Tauba Auerbach
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Abraham Manevich (1881 - 1942)
Abraham Manevich
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Richard Renaldi (1968)
Richard Renaldi
1968
William Merritt Chase (1849 - 1916)
William Merritt Chase
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Abelardo Morell (1948)
Abelardo Morell
1948
Corrado Giuseppe Parducci (1900 - 1981)
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Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
Albert Einstein
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Parker Ito (1986)
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1986
Pacita Abad (1946 - 2004)
Pacita Abad
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Jacob Lawrence (1917 - 2000)
Jacob Lawrence
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Albert Pinkham Ryder (1847 - 1917)
Albert Pinkham Ryder
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Elijah Pierce (1892 - 1984)
Elijah Pierce
1892 - 1984
Charles Courtney Curran (1861 - 1942)
Charles Courtney Curran
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Charles Arnoldi (1946)
Charles Arnoldi
1946

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Giosetta Fioroni (1932)
Giosetta Fioroni
1932
Helen Khal (1923 - 2009)
Helen Khal
1923 - 2009
Georgy Alexandrovich Leman (1937)
Georgy Alexandrovich Leman
1937
Sadie Benning (1973)
Sadie Benning
1973
Gerson Fehrenbach (1932 - 2004)
Gerson Fehrenbach
1932 - 2004
Herbert Bayer (1900 - 1985)
Herbert Bayer
1900 - 1985
Pierre Brissaud (1885 - 1964)
Pierre Brissaud
1885 - 1964
En Iwamura (1988)
En Iwamura
1988
Jason Martin (1970)
Jason Martin
1970
John Kacere (1920 - 1999)
John Kacere
1920 - 1999
Hermann Reimer (1959)
Hermann Reimer
1959
Gao Xingjian (1940)
Gao Xingjian
1940
Paul Camenisch (1893 - 1970)
Paul Camenisch
1893 - 1970
Iris Bodenburg (1958)
Iris Bodenburg
1958
Sally Mann (1951)
Sally Mann
1951
Ferdinand Herwig (1884 - 1959)
Ferdinand Herwig
1884 - 1959
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