Leo Martínez
Jackson Pollock's paintings are highly sought-after for their rarity, originality, and their ability to capture the spirit of Americanism. Pollock's paintings, known as drip paintings, were noted for taking non-representational art to the next level, ushering in a new era for Abstract art. Pollock's paintings have been sold for up to $200 million, placing them among the most expensive pieces in the modern art market. Pollock's most expensive painting, Number 5 (1948), was sold for $140 million in 2006, making it one of the most expensive works of art in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Painting | Number 5, 1948 |
| Year of Painting | 1948 |
| Size | 8' x 4' |
| Medium | Fibreboard with liquid synthetic resin paints |
| Colours | Yellow, brown, white, grey |
| Sale Price | $140 million |
| Year of Sale | 2006 |
| Buyer | David Martinez, managing partner of Fintech Advisory Ltd. |
| Seller | David Geffen, founder of Geffen Records and co-founder of DreamWorks SKG |
| Auctioneer | Sotheby's, Tobias Meyer |
| Type of Sale | Private |
| Previous Owner | Jackson Pollock repainted the entire piece after it was damaged during handling |
| Previous Sale Price | $1,500 |
| Year of Previous Sale | 1949 |
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What You'll Learn
Number 5 1948 sold for \$140 million
Jackson Pollock's Number 5, 1948, is a powerful example of the artist's Abstract Expressionist work. The painting was created using liquid synthetic resin paints, also known as gloss enamel, on fibreboard. It measures 8' x 4' and features densely layered shades of yellow, brown, white, and grey, creating a "dense bird's nest" effect.
Number 5, 1948, was sold on 22 May 2006 for $140 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a painting at the time. This sale surpassed the previous record held by Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by $5 million. The buyer of Number 5, 1948, is rumoured to be Mexican investor David Martinez, although this has been denied by his attorneys.
The painting has an interesting history. After its creation in 1948, it sustained some damage during handling, which Pollock repaired by painting over it. It was first sold in early 1949 for $1,500, but part of the paint fell off, leading Pollock to repaint the entire piece. The painting was initially met with underwhelming reactions, but its value and significance grew over time.
Number 5, 1948, has appeared in popular culture, such as in the film Ex Machina (2015), where it plays a central role. It is also referenced in the song "Going Down" by The Stone Roses. The painting's impact extended beyond the art world, as it personified the tortured artist and the avant-garde ethos, solidifying its place as an American cultural icon.
The sale of Number 5, 1948, for $140 million highlights the enduring value and appreciation of Jackson Pollock's artwork. His distinct style and contribution to the Abstract Expressionist movement continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
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Number 17A 1948 sold for $200 million
Number 17A, a 1948 painting by Jackson Pollock, is among the most expensive paintings by the artist. The painting was sold for $200 million in 2015, making it the fifth most expensive painting ever sold in history at that time. The abstract expressionist artwork was painted in oil on fibreboard and is a classic example of Pollock's drip painting style.
The painting's sale for $200 million was a record-breaking price when it was achieved in 2015. The previous record for the most expensive painting ever sold was held by Water Serpents II by Gustav Klimt, which was sold in a private sale for $183.8 million in 2013. Number 17A's sale surpassed this record by a significant margin.
The painting's high value can be attributed to its historical significance and its role in establishing Jackson Pollock's fame and celebrity. The piece was featured in the August 1949 edition of Life magazine, which brought widespread recognition to Pollock and his unique artistic style. This exposure helped to increase the value of his artworks, including Number 17A, which became highly sought-after by collectors.
The painting's distinct style also contributes to its value. Number 17A is characterised by an abundance of paint, creating a complex colour vortex where the top and bottom layers blend together. This effect is enhanced by smudges of yellow, blue, and black, while three nearly parallel white brushstrokes draw the viewer's gaze diagonally across the canvas. The result is a dynamic and captivating composition that exemplifies Pollock's innovative approach to abstract expressionism.
The buyer of Number 17A, Kenneth C. Griffin, is an American hedge fund manager and billionaire. Griffin purchased the painting from the David Geffen Foundation, adding it to his collection of valuable artworks. The sale of Number 17A for $200 million not only broke records but also solidified Jackson Pollock's legacy as one of the most influential and valuable artists of his time.
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Blue Poles (1952) worth $350 million today
Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles, also known as Number 11, 1952, is an abstract expressionist painting that has become one of the artist's most famous works. It was originally purchased by Fred and Florence Olsen from Pollock for $8,000, the highest price paid for a Pollock painting at the time. In 1973, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) acquired Blue Poles for US$1.3 million, sparking a political and media scandal due to the record-breaking price and the perceived financial ineptitude of the then-governing Labor Party led by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who approved the purchase.
At the time of its creation, Pollock did not assign names to his works, instead using numbers; hence, the original title of Blue Poles was simply "Number 11" or "No. 11" for the year 1952. In 1954, the new title "Blue Poles" was first seen at an exhibition at the Sidney Janis Gallery and reportedly originated from Pollock himself. According to art historian Dennis Phillips, the specific title distracts viewers from fully appreciating the painting, as they "look for the poles and miss much of the rest".
Since its purchase by the NGA, Blue Poles has remained one of the gallery's major holdings and a significant artwork in Australia. In 2016, it was reported that Blue Poles was insured for $258 million and, according to sources, this was upgraded to $350 million when the painting was moved overseas, reflecting its current estimated value. This remarkable appreciation in value, over 300 times the original purchase price, underscores the enduring significance and value of Pollock's Blue Poles in the art world.
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Number 17 (1951) sold for $61.1 million
Jackson Pollock's painting Number 17 (1951) sold for $61.1 million at Sotheby's in November 2021. This square-shaped artwork was created as part of a collection of black enamel paintings produced by the artist towards the end of his life, between 1951 and 1952. Pollock's paintings from this period are known for their bright colours and bold use of paint on canvas.
Pollock's art is highly sought after due to its rarity, originality, and its ability to capture the spirit of Americanism. His paintings, known as drip paintings, played a pivotal role in advancing non-representational art and ushering in a new era for Abstract art. Pollock's unique style was heavily influenced by Mexican muralists and Native American culture.
Number 17 (1951) is a testament to Pollock's artistic genius and his ability to blend art and history seamlessly. While the painting's specific details remain unknown, it undoubtedly embodies the artist's distinctive style and expression.
The sale of Number 17 (1951) highlights the enduring demand for Pollock's work, even decades after his death in 1956. The painting's high price tag also underscores the value placed on Abstract Expressionist art in the global art market. This sale further reinforces Pollock's legacy as one of the most influential figures of the mid-20th century.
Overall, the $61.1 million sale of Jackson Pollock's Number 17 (1951) underscores the artist's enduring appeal and the significant place his works hold in the world of Abstract Expressionism.
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Red Composition (1946)
Jackson Pollock's Red Composition (1946) is a significant work, marking the beginning of the artist's famous 'action painting' period. This period saw Pollock develop his unique style of drip painting, which would later become his signature. The painting is a small work, measuring just 48.3 x 60.3 cm, and is created with oil paint on Masonite.
Red Composition is an important work in the history of art, as it represents a radical departure from traditional artistic conventions. Pollock's composition abandons the figure/ground relationship, forcing the viewer's eye to constantly scan the surface and explore the intricate details of the painting. This style of painting was a breakthrough for Pollock, who was inspired by the Surrealists and Picasso but soon developed his own distinct approach.
The painting was created in 1946, a year considered to be Pollock's annus mirabilis, as it was also the year he produced his seminal Sounds in Grass series. Red Composition is believed to be one of Pollock's first 'drip' paintings, along with Free Form (1946-47), which is now housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
In terms of its value, Red Composition (1946) sold for $12 million at Christie's Auction House in 2020. While this is a significant sum, it is not among Pollock's most expensive paintings sold. That title goes to Number 17A, 1948, which sold for $200 million in 2015, followed by Number 5, 1948, which sold for $140 million in 2006, and Number 17, 1951, which fetched $61.1 million in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Number 5, 1948, is Jackson Pollock's most expensive painting. It was sold on 22 May 2006 for $140 million.
Number 5, 1948, was sold by David Geffen and purchased by David Martinez, managing partner of Fintech Advisory Ltd.
Jackson Pollock's paintings are known as "drip paintings". They are noted for taking non-representational art to the next level, ushering in a new era for Abstract art.
Other expensive paintings by Jackson Pollock include Number 17A, 1948, which sold for $200 million in 2015, and Number 17, 1951, which sold for $61.1 million in 2021.
