Sam Francis (1923–1994) was born in San Mateo, California. After attending San Mateo High School in the early 1940s, he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, where a 1944 diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis led to a prolonged hospitalization. During his recovery, inspired by a visit from artist David Park in 1945, he began painting. This marked the start of his journey and later studied at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his BA in 1949 and MA in 1950, initially exploring botany, medicine, and psychology before fully dedicating a life to art.

**LOT # 3324: SAM FRANCIS,** *Toward Disappearance*, 1973
Three-color lithograph, signed lower left. Edition #62 of 72.
Presented in a sleek white acrylic casement frame under glass.
Accompanied by the original book publication.
From the private collection of Herb Belkin.

As a groundbreaking American artist, Francis was influenced by Abstract Expressionist pioneers such as Mark Rothko, Arshile Gorky, and Clyfford Still. Charting his own course, Francis was discontent to stay within the boundaries of any one school or movement. Breaking away from the fold he emerged as a truly international figure, and one of the first “nomad artists” whose dynamic energy transcended both visual art categories as well as geographic limits.

During the 1950s, Francis immersed himself in the art worlds of Paris, Tokyo, Mexico City, and New York. These experiences shaped his deeply individualistic vision, blending elements of French modernism, Asian aesthetics, and Zen Buddhism. His work evolved from monochromatic abstraction to vibrant compositions featuring expansive use of negative space, most notably his iconic “open” paintings.

Francis’s breakthrough came in 1956 when his painting Big Red was featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. From there, he continued to develop important series such as the emotionally charged “Blue Balls” paintings—introspective works shaped by his health struggles—and the later “Fresh Air” and “Matrix” series, influenced by Jungian analysis and his exploration of the unconscious mind.

Francis’s artistic legacy is as bold and boundary-breaking as the works he created. With major exhibitions across three continents and works held in the world’s most respected museums and private collections, his market remains robust—most recently underscored by the $13.5 million sale of Composition in Black and Blue in 2022.

Now at Auction: Two Important Prints by Sam Francis

**LOT # 3322: SAM FRANCIS,** *White Bone,* 1971
Three-color lithograph on Arches 300-gram paper, pencil signed lower right.
Edition PP2 (Printer’s Proof), printed by master printer Serge Lozingot.
Housed in a brushed metal casement frame under glass.
From the distinguished private collection of Herb Belkin.

We are thrilled to present two exceptional Sam Francis lithographs in our upcoming Summer Auction. These works embody his celebrated mix of color, space, and movement, and represent a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire work by one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.

Whether you are an experienced collector or new to postwar American art, this is an unmissable opportunity to own a piece of Francis’s groundbreaking legacy.

To inquire about these prints, receive assistance with bidding or registration, or learn how to make one of these important works part of your collection, please telephone:

📞 +1 (207) 354-8141

For all other enquiries please contact us.