Trending Now - Record-breaking $181M Sale for Jackson Pollock Artwork
WHO:
BBC - Jackson Pollock is the artist of the painting titled "Number 7A, 1948".
WHAT:
The Guardian - The sale of "Number 7A, 1948" made it the fourth most expensive work ever sold at auction, according to ARTnews.
CNN - The auction also included "No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe)" by Mark Rothko, which sold for $98.4 million, setting a new record for the artist.
CNN - "Portrait of Madame K" by Joan Miró sold for $53.5 million, breaking the previous record of $37 million set in 2012.
CNN - The bronze head "Danaïde" by Constantin Brancusi sold for $107.6 million, surpassing its previous record of $71.2 million set in 2018.
CNN - Christie’s sold over $1.1 billion in art in one night, with the first part of the sale netting more than $630 million in just 40 minutes.
CNN - The painting "Number 7A, 1948" sold for $181.2 million with fees, surpassing Pollock's previous auction record of $61.2 million set in 2021.
CNN - The auction included 48 20th-century works from outside Newhouse’s collection.
CNN - A record-breaking 20,000 visitors attended the viewing at Christie’s before the auction.
BBC - The painting "Number 7A, 1948" sold for a record-breaking $181 million at auction.
BBC - This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a Jackson Pollock artwork at auction.
WHERE:
BBC - The auction took place, although the specific location is not mentioned in the articles.
WHEN:
BBC - The painting is dated 1948.
WHY:
BBC - The description of the painting states that it represents Pollock's liberation from conventional easel painting and is one of the first truly abstract paintings in art history.
HOW:
BBC - The painting was sold at auction, although the specific auction house is not mentioned in the articles.
(UPDATED May 20, 2026 04:20 UTC)
In a stunning auction, the sale of "Number 7A, 1948" has now become the fourth most expensive artwork ever sold, according to ARTnews. Mark Rothko's "No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe)" set a new record for the artist at $98.4 million, while Joan Miró's "Portrait of Madame K" sold for $53.5 million, breaking its previous record of $37 million from 2012. Additionally, Constantin Brancusi's bronze head "Danaïde" fetched an impressive $107.6 million, exceeding its prior record of $71.2 million established in 2018.
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(UPDATED May 19, 2026 19:35 UTC)
Christie’s has made headlines by selling over $1.1 billion in art during a single night, with the first part of the sale bringing in more than $630 million in just 40 minutes. Among the standout pieces, Jackson Pollock's "Number 7A, 1948" fetched an impressive $181.2 million, shattering his previous auction record of $61.2 million set in 2021. The auction featured 48 20th-century works from outside Newhouse’s collection and attracted a record-breaking 20,000 visitors for the viewing prior to the event.
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(UPDATED May 19, 2026 17:53 UTC)
A stunning record was set when Jackson Pollock's painting "Number 7A, 1948" sold for an astonishing $181 million at auction, marking the highest price ever paid for one of his artworks. This piece, created in 1948, is celebrated for representing Pollock's break from traditional easel painting and is recognized as one of the first truly abstract works in art history. While the specific auction house and location were not disclosed, this sale highlights the enduring value and significance of Pollock's contributions to the art world.