On Tuesday December 21st, PIASA is organising an auction dedicated to editions; prints, illustrated books and other multiple works.
"I like to wash stone, but I don't know what lithography really is" [...] But maybe through stone I could discover who I am and what I am for."
- Sam Francis
Sam Francis,
Untitled (SFE-080) - 1991
Sugar etching, etching and aquatint on BFK Rives wove paper
Estimate : 4 000 / 6 000 €
Sam Francis was a passionate printmaker.
Initially attracted by the incredible freedom of lithographic inks, he later experimented with all printing techniques, particularly copperplate engraving, exploring the almost limitless capabilities of etching.
Sam Francis,
Blue Green - 1963
Lithograph on BFK Rives wove paper, full page
Estimate : 4 000 / 6 000 €
Seeking to perfect his technique, he took up many residencies at legendary printing houses such as the Tamarind Institute, Universal Limited Art Editions and Gemini G.E.L., before opening his own studio in Santa Monica in 1970: The Litho Shop. Throughout his life, this studio was a place of experimentation, of testing, of the creative gestation that led to the printing of the desired proof.
Sam Francis,
Trietto III - 1991
Aquatint on Fabriano wove paper, all margins
Estimate : 6 000 / 8000 €
Few artists have approached printmaking with such respect and involvement. At the time of his death on November 4th, 1994, Sam Francis's printed work consisted of 115 engravings, 335 lithographs, 21 serigraphs and 8 posters.
On the occasion of its biannual Editions auction, PIASA presents a group of prints paying tribute to the work and total commitment of Sam Francis in the discipline of engraving through magnificent lithographs, serigraphs, monotypes and etchings.
