Jackson Pollock painting sells for record $181m at Christie’s in New York

Jackson Pollock's painting, Number 7A, 1948, sold for a record $181.2 million at Christie's in New York. This sale positioned the abstract expressionist work as the fourth most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, significantly surpassing his previous auction record of $61.2 million. The auction also saw record-breaking sales for Constantin Brancusi's bronze head "Danaïde" at $107.6 million, Mark Rothko's "No 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe)" at $98.4 million, and Joan Miró's "Portrait of Madame K" at $53.5 million. These sales contribute to a trend of high-value art transactions, following recent record-setting auctions at Sotheby's.

Jackson Pollock's painting, Number 7A, 1948, sold for a record $181 million at Christie's auction house in New York. This Abstract Expressionist work, described as one of history's "first truly abstract paintings," is now the artist's most expensive artwork ever sold at auction and the fourth most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The painting was part of the private collection of media magnate SI Newhouse. The sale also included Constantin Brancusi's bronze sculpture, Danaide, which fetched $107.6 million, making it the second highest price ever paid for a sculpture at auction. Pollock, a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement, is known for his distinctive drip painting technique.

Sotheby's will auction a significant collection of modern art masterpieces in London, expected to be the city's most valuable auction ever. Consigned by Joe and Vivienne Lewis, the collection features works by artists including Gustav Klimt, Henri Matisse, and Lucian Freud, with an estimated value exceeding £150 million. This sale, potentially the highest-value auction week in London, includes Klimt's "Bildnis Gertrud Loew" (estimated £20-30m) and Egon Schiele's "Danaë" (estimated £12-18m), which could set a new artist record. Sotheby's highlights the rarity and museum-caliber quality of these works, many of which have not been seen on the market for decades. The collection will be exhibited in New York and London before the June auction.