SAM FRANCIS | Santa Monica (Broadway studio)

André Emmerich Gallery, Inc., New York 
Delahunty Gallery, New York (acquired in January 1983) 
Carpenter Hochman Gallery, Dallas
Solomon & Co. Fine Art, New York (acquired in 1986) 
Private Collection, New York
André Emmerich Gallery, Inc., New York 
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Gordes, L’Abbaye de Sénanque, Centre International de Création Artistique, Sam Francis: Oeuvres nouvelles, May - August 1980
New York, André Emmerich Gallery, Inc., Sam Francis: Recent Work, April - May 1981
New York, André Emmerich Gallery, Inc., Summer Group Show, July - September 1981

Debra Burchett-Lere and William C. Agee, Eds., Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Canvas and Panel Paintings, 1946-1994, Berkeley 2011, cat. no. SFF744, illustrated in color on the DVD

This work is in very good condition overall. The canvas is unlined. There is evidence of minor wear and handling to the turning edges and corners of the canvas, with a few, very minor pinpoint losses along the perimeter, only visible under close inspection. The irregular surface texture and pigment separation is inherent and consistent with the artist's working method and choice of medium. There is evidence of light surface soiling and some very minor dust accumulation to the surface. There are a few, very minor unobtrusive pinpoint surface accretions. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"If more color is called for, the area can be wetted down again without disturbing the previous color, which has already dried. More color, either transparent or opaque, then can be laid in. By this wetting, painting, dying, rewetting and painting again... Francis can marry many different colors with different qualities... and make it appear that it happened spontaneously, all at one moment... The results are not fortunate accidents, but carefully conceived compositions."  Nicholas Wilder, Exh. Cat., Los Angeles, Nicholas Wilder Gallery, Sam Francis: Paintings, 1978, p.8



Executed in 1980, this work is identified with the interim identification number of SFF.774 in consideration for the forthcoming addendum to the Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Canvas and Panel Paintings. This information is subject to change as scholarship continues by the Sam Francis Foundation.