This mid century abstract expressionist lithograph by Sam Francis, published in 1972, is one of only 30 that was hand signed, as part of the Fresh Air School portfolio. In 1972, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania exhibited paintings of Sam Francis, Joan Mitchell and Walasse Ting together in a show entitled Fresh Air School. This print and the full portfolio were published as a fundraiser in conjunction with the exhibition, in an edition of approximately 1000. However, separate from the unsigned edition, was this very small hand signed edition of only 30 reserved exclusively for museum trustees, curator, director and major donors. Rarely seen on the market, this is one of the hand signed works. Note the present listing is for the Sam Francis work alone as shown.
Catalogue Raisonné: 155, Lembark
Publisher: Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh
Printer: Maeght, Paris