Sam Francis (1923-1994) is one of the most distinctive and collected 20th-century abstract artists.
Francis began painting during convalescence from an injury sustained during a plane crash whilst serving in WWII. Initially used as a distraction, he committed himself fully to painting upon his return to the United states in the mid 40's, pouring his focus in to artistic education. After receiving a Masters in art from UC Berkley in 1950, Francis moved to Paris which would serve a crucial role in helping develop his aesthetic language. By 1953 one of his canvases was included in the MoMA's seminal exhibition "Twelve Artists" which quickly led to his international reputation.
Stylistically, Francis is associated with the second-generation abstract expressionist artists and, to a lesser degree, the Parisian Tachists. Although American, he was not tethered to New York City, instead spending the 1950s as an expat, working and exhibiting in Paris, Mexico City, Japan, and Switzerland. As a result, he does not fit neatly in to the categories normally used to describe post-war abstraction.
With an explosive energy, this screenprint represents Francis' signature style. Featuring a combination of splatters and bimorphic forms executed in primary colours, the composition vibrates with verve. The primary blues, reds, and yellows are applied with slight transparency, emitting new hues as they mingle and overlap. The white space is activated by splatters from the central, cross-hatched lines. Francis' title gives us a hint as to where his mind was when creating the composition--and it's not difficult to see logs stacked; with nascent flames gathering around them.
Impressions of this screenprint are in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; the Walker Art Center; the Denver Art Museum.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Firewood"
USA, 1973
Screenprint in colours on Arches 88 wove paper
Signed by "Sam Francis" and numbered "16/50" in pencil, lower edge
From an edition of 50, with 10 artist's proofs
Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles with their blindstamps recto and in stamp, verso
Printed by Gary Reams and Robert Knisel
32"H 39.75"W (sheet)
Unframed
Good condition
Literature: Lembark, W. C. (1992). The Prints of Sam Francis: A Catalogue Raisonné, 1960-1990. New York: Hudson Hills Press
Reference: Lembark 1992, no. S15
Provenance: Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.