Night and Day
1956
California-born Sam Francis was based in Paris when he made this painting, a period when he enjoyed much success abroad. He was just beginning to be discovered by American audiences as well, including a solo show the same year at Zoe Dusanne's pioneering Seattle gallery. Atmospheric yet controlled works such as this drew comparisons to Rothko, but his paint handling began to loosen considerably in 1956 and 1957, giving way to his recognizable splatter style.
Watercolor and gouache on paper
21 x 16 3/4 in. (53.3 x 42.6 cm)
Gift of Margery and Paul Friedlander
91.249
Provenance: [Zoe Dusanne Gallery, Seattle, Washington]; purchased from gallery by Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Friedlander, Seattle, Washington
