Number 17A

Number 17A is a painting by Jackson Pollock, an American painter known for his contributions to the abstract expressionist movement. In 2015, it was sold by the David Geffen Foundation to Kenneth C. Griffin for $200 million. This makes Number 17A the fifth most expensive painting ever sold in history.

Jackson Pollock’s dripping paint technique has its roots in the work of André Masson and Max Ernst. This piece of abstract work was created in 1948 and was featured in the 1947 Life magazine article that made the painting a household name. Done on fiberboard canvas using just oil paints, Number 17A looks like a messy mirage of patterns and colors. It is example of Pollock's drip painting series, and one of the earlier pieces in this series. one of the best examples of the radical and exceptionally unique art form of drip painting, which Pollock introduced to the world in 1947.

The painting is most likely currently on display in one of Griffen's private homes. Griffen is a known avid art collector and owns some of the most expensive paintings in the world including Willem de Kooning's Interchanged and False Start by artist Jasper Johns. The follwing are his famous paintings.