Very First Stone

"Very First Stone" by Sam Francis (1959–1968) exemplifies his mastery within the Abstract expressionism movement. As an artist renowned for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions, Francis often explored Abstract forms through various printmaking techniques. In this lithography work, he employs spontaneous, gestural marks that evoke a sense of primal energy, aligning with the title's suggestive notion of beginnings or fundamental elements. The piece embodies his lyrical approach to abstraction, emphasizing emotive power over representational content while affirming hisposition as a key figure in mid-20th-century Abstract expressionism.