SAM FRANCIS | Untitled

Kunstverein Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf
Fänn and Willy Schniewind Collection, Neviges (acquired from the above in 1959)
Thence by descent to the present owner 

Bern, Galerie Kornfeld und Klipstein, Sam Francis Ausstellung: Olbilder, Aquarelle, 1953-1958, January - February 1959, no. 16 (text)
Dusseldorf, Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen, Sam Francis, February - March 1959, no. 28 (text) 
Wuppertal, Kunst-und Museumsverein Wuppertal, Kunst der Gegenwart in Wuppertaler Privatbesitz, March - April 1965, n.p., no. 51 (text)
Dusseldorf, Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, Handzeichnungen des 20. Jahrhunderts, May - July 1968, n.p., no. 33 (text)

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality of the yellow and blue is deeper and more vibrant in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. The sheet is attached verso to the mount in several places and there are artist's pinholes to all four corner tips, with one associated extremely short tear to the upper right corner tip. All four outer edges are deckled and there is a paper manufacturer stamp to the lower left corner. Extremely close inspection reveals a tiny crease to the top left edge, and two minute spots of flaking paper to the extreme upper centre edge. Further very close inspection reveals three minor and unobtrusive rub marks intermittently along the right vertical edge, and minor discolouration to the extreme edges in places.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“Colour is a kind of holy substance for me. It’s the element in painting which I am most fascinated with. It is an element of painting which overcomes me… Colour in a way is a receptacle for a feeling and a way for you to hold it until understanding arrives or meaning is extracted.”
Sam Francis in conversation in: Michael Blackwood Productions, Sam Francis, 1975 documentary.

This work is identified with the interim identification number of SF58-030 in consideration for the forthcoming Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Unique Works on Paper. This information is subject to change as scholarship continues by the Sam Francis Foundation.