Acrylic on paper. Signed on the reverse of the frame backing. On Arches wove paper (with watermark and blindstamp “VÉRITABLE PAPIER D'ARCHES FIN”. 56.5 x 76.5 cm. , the full sheet. [EH].

• Sam Francis is one of the most prominent representatives of Action Painting.
• Painted in Tokyo, Japan, where art and culture were a significant influence on the artist's work.
• Typical of the early 1970s, the colors are concentrated into beam-like structures.
• Privately owned since 1973, this is the first time it is offered on the auction market.
The work is registered at the Sam Francis Foundation, Glendale/California, under the numbers “SF70-139;SF71-039” and is listed in the online catalogue raisonné.

Sam Francis. New Paintings, André Emmerich Gallery, New York, October 27 - November 14, 1973

Andre Emmerich Gallery, Zurich (with a label on the reverse of the frame backing) Private collection, Southern Germany (acquired from the above in 1973, family-owned ever since)

Sam Francis traveled to Japan for the first time in 1957. He was immediately deeply impressed by local art and lifestyle, and would return to the country many times.

In very good condition.