“Saf,” created by Morris Louis in 1959, is a distinguished piece of Color Field Painting in the “Veil” series. Executed using magna on canvas, the artwork measures an expansive 358.1 x 250.2 cm. This abstract genre painting epitomizes Louis’s command of fluid forms and vibrant hues.
The artwork is characterized by vertical streams of paint cascading from the top, blending and intersecting in various shades of red, yellow, black, and gray. These confluences of color create an impression of luminous drapery or a delicate veil, giving the painting its series name. The careful manipulation of magna on the canvas surface evokes a sense of depth and movement, binding the viewer’s attention within its rich, flowing patterns. This piece showcases Louis’s innovative approach, emphasizing color and form over representational accuracy.
