Francis, Sam | Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973 — available on Composition Gallery

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Lithograph in colors, on Rives BFK paper

'Dark Cup (SF-141)' by Sam Francis, created in 1973, is a powerful lithograph that exemplifies the artist’s signature abstract expressionist style. The composition is dominated by dynamic splatters, drips, and splashes of deep black ink, layered intricately across a white background. The bold, gestural marks create a sense of chaotic energy while simultaneously inviting introspection. Measuring 70.2 x 105.4 cm, this work showcases Francis’s mastery of balancing spontaneity with deliberate composition, offering viewers a visceral encounter with abstraction and the expressive possibilities of lithography.

Sam Francis (USA, 1923–1994) was an influential abstract painter known for his vibrant, color-drenched canvases. Associated with Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction, his work often featured dynamic splashes and drips, exploring light, space, and movement with a global artistic perspective.

Sam Francis

Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973

Name: Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973
SKU: 12842
Price: 6700.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Lithograph

Lithograph Lithography is a printing method based on the principle that water and oil do not mix. It can be used to print artwork or text onto paper or other suitable materials. Traditionally, an image was drawn with wax, fat, or oil onto a lithographic limestone surface or plate. Today, metal plates and other surfaces are also used in lithographic printing.

Edition

Edition of 38 + BAT

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●Inventory 12842

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Lithograph in colors, on Rives BFK paper

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Sam Francis

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Aquatint

USD 14,400

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USD 12,900

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Untitled (SFE-072), 1989

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USD 9,600

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USD 6,700

Sam Francis

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USD 14,400

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Untitled (SFE-073RC), 1973

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USD 7,800

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In, On and Of paper, #1, 1977

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USD 32,000 - 36,000

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Web (SFS-136), 1972

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USD 23,000

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Sam Francis was an American painter whose breakthrough into America came with his participation in the exhibition of, Twelve Americans in the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1956. During this time of Sam's life his style changed from monochrome compositions to colorful. Sam Francis was initially influenced by the abstract expressionists and later became associated with second generation abstract expressionists. Sam Francis spent the 1950's in Paris and it was there his first exhibition was held at the Galerie Nina Dausset. His art while there was influenced by his exposure to French modern painting, Asian culture and Zen Buddhism. During the 50's, Sam's art would evolve through a series of stages from monochromatic abstractions to richly colored murals. Sam Francis's calligraphic characteristic of applying color with lyrical properties of liquid paint are referred to as, Asian art. He traveled the world with these pieces visiting: Japan, Thailand and India showing the painting at exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka. He then went on to develop a personal style of spontaneous and gestic drippings. Sam created his art by applying acrylic, oil and watercolors to the image by using revolving and splashing motions. Sam Francis then changed his technique again in the 1970's by covering his surfaces with a net-like structure, and again when he began to use lithography, etching and monotype. He created some expressive compositions while experimenting in the 1980's by partially running colors. With this style Sam received some large commissions for mural work. (Artist website)

Artwork by Helen Frankenthaler

What is lyrical abstraction ?

Lyrical abstraction is a descriptive term characterizing a type of abstract painting closely related to Abstract Expressionism, in use from the 1940s to the present. The term can also describe two distinct but related trends in post-World War II modernist painting. This art movement originated in Paris, France, after the war, emphasizing personal expression, spontaneity, and the emotional use of color and form.

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Sam Francis

Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973

70.2 x 105.4 cm

Sam Francis

Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973

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Biography

Bio

Untitled (SF78-1010), 1978

Untitled (SF82-263), 1982

Vert Francaise, 1963

Island Plate, 1973

Untitled (SFE-071), 1989

Untitled (SFE-013), 1984

Untitled Red (American Foundation), 1992

And Pink (SF-143), 1973

Another Footprint, 1971

Untitled (SF-329) (L. L278), 1988

Untitled (from the Fresh Air School portfolio), 1972

Mehrfarbige Spirale, 1970

Untitled (SFE-021), 1984

Untitled (from Portfolio 9), 1967

Untitled, 1988

Untitled (SF-358), 1993

Private Listing

Spring Solution, 1972

Self Portrait (SF-051), 1976

Untitled (SF-345), 1991

Private Listing

Untitled (SFE-029), 1983

Untitled (SFE-014), 1984

Untitled (SFE-072), 1989

Dark Cup (SF-141), 1973

Untitled (SF-356), 1992

Untitled (SFE-073RC), 1973

In, On and Of paper, #1, 1977

Web (SFS-136), 1972

Untitled (SF-315), 1986

Untitled from the Papierski Portfolio, 1992

Metal Line, 1971

SFE 079, 1992

Beauty Walk, 1960

Lover Loved (...), 1960

Red Again (S(...), 1972

Salmon, 1973

Happy Death (...), 1960

SFS-332, 1988

Bright Jade (...), 1963

For the Blue(...), 1990

Blue Cut Sai(...), 1969

For thirteen, 1989

Veiled Sail, 1969

The upper Re(...), 1963

Papierski, 1973-84

SF343

Vegetable I (...), 1971

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