Jackson Pollock's Numbered Masterpiece Rocks Christie's: the Multi-Million Dollar Phenomenon
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
To understand where Number 7A, 1948 fits within the modern auction hierarchy, one must examine how the market prices Pollock's critical late-1940s production. Small shifts in medium, backing, and date yield tens of millions in valuation differences.
| Artwork & Year | Medium & Dimensions | Transaction Venue | Price Realized / Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number 5, 1948 | Oil & enamel on fiberboard (8 × 4 ft) | Private Treaty Sale (2006) | ~$140,000,000 |
| Number 19, 1948 | Oil & enamel on paper on canvas (30.8 × 22.4 in) | Christie's New York (2013) | $58,363,750 |
| Number 17A (1948) | Oil on fiberboard (44 × 34 in) | Private Sale (2015) | ~$200,000,000 |
| Number 7A, 1948 | Enamel on paper mounted on canvas (22.5 × 30.5 in) | Christie’s Evening Sale (Spring 2026) | Presale Estimate: $45M, $65M+ |
The figures confirm a stable pattern across modern secondary markets. While mid-career drawings or late-phase works struggle when liquidity dries up, authenticated 1948 creations act as liquid stores of private wealth. Works executed on paper mounted on canvas during this specific breakthrough year hold their ground against massive macroeconomic swings.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
