Bulgarian police discovered what they say is a previously unknown Jackson Pollock painting during a recent raid in the country’s capital, Sofia.
The work dates from 1949 and bears the signature of the deceased artist on its right register, according to Bulgarian national radio (BNR), which first announced the discovery this week. Citing “experts”, the outlet said the painting could be worth up to 50 million euros ($53 million).
On the back of the canvas is a detail that, if real, may justify such a high valuation. There, in hand-scribbled text, is what appears to be a dedication to American actress – and noted art collector – Lauren Bacall, Sofia City Deputy Prosecutor Desislava Petrova said during a briefing. a press conference on March 22.
“Dedicated to my very talented and dear friend Lauren Bacall, happy birthday,” reads the post, which is believed to have been written by Pollock himself. It is dated September 16, 1949, Bacall’s 25th birthday.
Pollock’s alleged painting has since been transferred to the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria, Novinite news agency based in Sofia reported. Authorities have yet to share a description or image of it.
The artwork was one of six seized as part of an investigation into an organized crime group jointly conducted by Bulgarian and Greek authorities. Three Greek citizens and a Bulgarian were arrested in connection with this case.
During an appearance on local television, the chief secretary of the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Petar Todorov, described the investigation as “a very successful operation”, according to Novinite.
Todorov also expressed confidence that the painting was indeed done by Pollock. “To our delight, we have managed to establish and preserve this painting and for the moment the expertise shows that it is an original”, he added.
This assessment, however, is far from definitive. Since the 1990s, when the Pollock-Krasner Foundation disbanded its Authentication Committee, questions about the legitimacy of the artist’s work have been directed only to the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR).
When contacted by Artnet News, IFAR Executive Director Sharon Flescher said “IFAR has not seen [or] examined this table; nor have we been formally invited to do so.
Helen Harrison, director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton, New York, also said she had not been contacted by Bulgarian officials. Harrison declined to speculate on the potential price of the newly discovered painting if it was found to be authentic.
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