Essai

Sam Francis, an artist who never quite fit into a single movement, spent the 1950s immersing himself in the vibrant art scenes of Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico City, absorbing influences from French modern painting, Asian culture, and Zen Buddhism. This lithograph, "Essai," from 1963, comes from a prolific period for Francis when he was creating numerous series of works, including the "Blue Balls" series, which explored biomorphic forms and drips. While this particular piece is not part of that blue-focused series, it shares a similar exploratory spirit in its use of color and form. Francis was known for his innovative approach to printmaking, often creating etchings, lithographs, and monotypes at his own Litho Shop in Santa Monica. This work exemplifies his mastery of the medium, showcasing how he could achieve depth and texture using a single zinc plate on ivory wove paper, a testament to his technical skill and artistic vision. He was a truly global artist, helping to establish American postwar painting on the international stage, with his work often better understood in Europe and Japan.