Scientists confirm manganese blue used by Jackson Pollock in iconic painting

In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists, the origins of the blue color in Jackson Pollock's iconic painting 'Number 1A, 1948' have finally been identified. This research, which appeared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized advanced laser techniques to analyze scrapings of the blue paint from the canvas, revealing it to be manganese blue. Pollock, a leading figure in abstract expressionism, created this work featuring his signature drip style, which incorporates vibrant hues and intricate patterns on a nearly 9-foot-wide canvas. The painting is currently housed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Before this study, the rich turquoise blue in Pollock’s artwork had remained a mystery, as scientists had established the sources of the reds and yellows used but were unable to ascertain the identity of the blue pigment. By employing a unique chemical fingerprinting approach that assessed how the paint's molecules vibrated, researchers were able to confirm the pigment's identity as manganese blue—a synthetic colorant which was historically utilized by artists and even for coloring cement, though its use was discontinued in the 1990s due to environmental issues. The implications of this research extend beyond simply identifying a color; they showcase the intersection of art and science as researchers aim to conserve historical works and assess authenticity in the art world. Pollock's methodical approach to painting contrasts with the chaotic perception often associated with action painting. According to co-author Abed Haddad, Pollock's techniques, which involved alternating between using a stick or pouring paint directly from the can, reflect an intentional, systematic process that parallels their scientific investigation. As discussions about the environmental impacts of art materials persist along with rising interest in Pollock's techniques, this study sheds light on the importance of acknowledging the materials artists employ. It enables a deeper understanding of artistic techniques while safeguarding the integrity of artworks. A new layer of appreciation can now be added to Pollock's work, where not only the visual experience is considered, but the very molecular makeup of the colors comprising these masterpieces is recognized.