Alpha 137 Gallery and Art Advisory
In business for nearly two decades, we are a well established, popular contemporary art boutique specializing in expertly chosen prints, multiples, and unique sculptures, design objects, works on paper and paintings by recognized artists, with a focus on the secondary market. We also have an impressive selection of scarce and coveted art historical ephemera, monographs and merchandise at different price points. Discover our small business: one of the best kept secrets in the art world, and join our ever-growing family of art lovers - from first time collectors to seasoned fine art professionals. Please note that works are available for purchase exclusively online, and we are not able to accommodate requests for in person viewings at this time.
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This is an extremely rare lithograph from the early 1960s by legendary Abstract Expressionist artist Sam Francis, is one of only two hand signed Artist Proofs, aside from the small edition of only 20. It was one of only two printed on Arches paper, as the regular edition was on Rives BFK.
Twenty five years ago, an edition of Mercury from the regular edition of 20 (NOT this rare Artists Proof from the edition of 2), sold at Sotheby's for US $6,600. (see details below).
The sheet measures 23.25 (vertical) by 18.25 (horizontal) and is annotated "Artists Proof" in pencil, titled "Mercury" with a hand signature by Sam Francis.
This lithograph bears the unique Inventory number of the work (in pencil). It has the distinctive chop mark of the prestigious Tamarind Institute, where for fifty years so many luminaries in the art market have created beautiful lithographs. Artists ranging from Josef Albers and Louise Nevelson to Donald Sultan, Richard Serra, Ed Ruscha, Kiki Smith and Leroy Neiman.
It also bears the chop mark of the printer - the renowned Irwin Hollander, who printed the work in April, 1963.
This work is fully referenced in the catalogue raisonne of Sam Francis's prints, Lembark, I-28, SF 27 page 78. Other editions of this beautiful lithograph were exhibited in New York, Venice, San Francisco, Caracas, and Palo Alto between the 1960s and 1990s.
This extremely rare work is a seminal piece and rarely comes up for auction, as it is held in the permanent collections of major museums and institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
In excellent condition. Ships flat.
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Sam Francis
