The painting likely comes from the collection of former Romanian dictator Ceausescu.
Bulgarian police have confiscated a painting that may be an unknown work by American painter Jackson Pollock. “Bulgaria’s most competent experts have examined the image and assured us that the authenticity is almost certain,” Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said on Thursday.
According to experts at the National Gallery in the capital Sofia, the color pigments, technique and style of the two-metre high painting indicate a work by the abstract painter from the period between 1949 and 1950. However, authenticity still needs to be confirmed by Pollock’s proven experts.
Found in house search in February
Police found the image – a red and black abstract motif on a gold background – in February during a house search in Sofia, in which Europol and Greek police were also involved. It is believed to be signed by the artist and on the back is a dedication to Hollywood star Lauren Bacall, Pollock’s friend.
The seal and signature of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu can also be seen on the reverse – an indication that the image once belonged to Ceauşescu’s private collection. According to the Minister of the Interior, the painting was initially in Greece and then smuggled to Bulgaria, where it would be resold.
According to Demerdzhiev, if the authenticity of the image is confirmed, Bulgaria wants to transfer it to state ownership. “The last painting by Pollock brought in €100m and I don’t expect this one to cost less,” said Demerdzhiev.
(APA/AFP)