Revolutionizing Art Sales

Lee Krasner, after inheriting Jackson Pollock's estate, faced the challenge of negotiating the sale of his artwork. She met with Sidney Janis, Pollock's art dealer, who initially lined up a sale for one of Pollock's drip paintings, 'Autumn Rhythm,' at the price of $8,000. Understanding the potential to change the market, Lee abruptly raised the price to $30,000, recognizing that a successful high sale would enhance the value of all Pollock's works. This audacious move ultimately led to the painting being sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, establishing a new benchmark for American abstract art sales and securing Lee's financial stability.