Jackson Pollock's Number 19, an enormous canvas dated 1948 and perhaps the most important work by the artist to come to auction in 20 years, is to cross the block at Christie's New York on May 15.
 Could Number 19 set a new auction record for the artist? |
Number 19 is one of the most famous drip-paintings Pollock ever completed.
Not only did Pollock's revolutionary techniques seriously unsettle the art establishment, they perfectly mirrored the desire for change.
In particular, a desire towards a more liberal outlook and way of life, championed by small, but influential, swathes of society following the second world war.
Pollock's masterpiece is estimated to be worth $25m-35m.
"Jack the Dripper's" paintings have naturally achieved substantial sums at auction.
His Number 7 brought $5.3m 10 years ago.
Christie's Brett Gorvy comments: "Number 19 is one of those paintings you get lost in."
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