Sam Francis (1923-1994). Untitled (SF90-401), 1990. Acrylic on paper. 44-1/4 x 10-1/8 inches (112.4 x 25.7 cm) (sheet). ...

Description

Sam Francis (1923-1994)
Untitled (SF90-401), 1990
Acrylic on paper
44-1/4 x 10-1/8 inches (112.4 x 25.7 cm) (sheet)
Signed, dated, and inscribed on the reverse: Sam Francis 1990 / SAE 4455-SF90

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Phillip Kirkeby, Inverness, California, gift from the above, 1990;
By descent to the present owner.

LITERATURE:
D. Burchett-Lere, ed., "Untitled, Dated as 1990 (0000 / Francis Archive SF90-401)," in Sam Francis: Online Catalogue Raisonné Project.

The present work was created at the Kirkeby family boathouse in Point Reyes, Inverness, California. Recalls Stefan Kirkeby, "The Francis and Kirkeby families congregated for fishing, sailing, and surfing-and, of course, Sam Francis painted. Sam initially used the Boathouse (Launch for Hire) Studio from 1988 through 1990 to fulfill a commission from the French government, originally a ceiling painting intended for the Louvre. The nature of the commission changed, and while Sam pivoted, he created many other works besides the one heading for France."

Stefan's father, Phillip Kirkeby, created a safe space for Francis in the boathouse so that Sam would not be disturbed while he worked. Stefan supported Francis overseas: "I was very close to Sam," he notes, "and I worked twelve years at the Louisiana Museum in Denmark, traveling and setting up shows for Sam and many other artists."

Kirkeby received a group of works Sam painted for his father, Phillip, a legacy of the close ties between the Francis and Kirkeby families.


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