Sam Francis made a large number of editioned works during the course of his artistic career. When an artist has printed all the works that comprise an edition (including artist proofs, trial proofs and “states”), a cancellation proof is created. These editions comprise the final “pull” from the plate, and, generally, the artist or the printer will deface the plate itself before making the proof. The purpose of these proofs is to ensure that the edition is truly limited and that no further prints can be made. But Sam, being Sam, didn’t always do things the conventional way. He frequently turned the cancellation print into its own unique work of art. Francis, along with Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell and David Hockney, saw the creation of cancellation proofs as another opportunity for creative pursuits.

Examining these “special proofs” has been a revelation and offers an even deeper insight into Francis’s process of making printed works by highlighting the close alignment of the compositional elements in his printmaking and paintings over time. This collection demonstrates the power of Sam’s printmaking, not only in a wide array of colors, but also in more subtle greys and blacks. When his archetypal forms are rendered in softer tones or with fewer color combinations, the impact is not diminished. It is fascinating to observe the variation from monochromatic palettes to varying levels of color in these printed works. We hope you enjoy exploring this unique collection of works as we are delighted to share them with you.