Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist)

Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist) by Jackson Pollock is a seminal work of American Abstract Expressionism, created at the peak of the artist's mature period in 1950. The monumental canvas is executed in oil, enamel, and aluminum, utilizing Pollock’s signature "drip" technique. This revolutionary method involves applying paint not with a brush touching the surface, but by pouring, dripping, and splattering liquid pigment onto the horizontal canvas. This physical engagement with the material redefined the boundaries of painting and shifted the focus toward the act of creation itself.

The work embodies the energy and scale characteristic of the New York School during the crucial period of 1926 to 1950. While seemingly chaotic, the piece reveals a highly complex internal structure, where threads of metallic aluminum paint mingle with dense networks of gray, black, white, and subtle purple tones that give the painting its popular name, Lavender Mist. The immersive, all-over composition rejects traditional focal points and hierarchical structures, pulling the viewer into a dense, non-representational web of interlocking lines and textures. This abstract form emphasizes gesture and material complexity over narrative, marking a critical moment in postwar American art.

Pollock's experimentation with unconventional materials and industrial paints cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the movement, influencing generations of artists globally. The painting is recognized internationally for its historical significance and is proudly held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Due to the fame and cultural importance of this masterwork, high-quality prints and reproductions of this iconic American abstract piece are frequently sought after by collectors and students of modern art.