A scientific paper published in PNAS reveals that Jackson Pollock's 1948 masterpiece *Number 1A* contains an extinct variety of manganese blue paint. Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers from Stanford University, City College of New York, and MoMA's conservation department identified the synthetic pigment, which was popular in the 20th century but phased out in the 1990s due to environmental concerns.
This discovery matters because it provides critical insights for the conservation of the painting, which is a centerpiece of MoMA's collection. Understanding the molecular makeup of the pigment helps conservators develop strategies to protect the work from environmental factors like light and humidity, while also shedding light on Pollock's artistic practice and historical trends in paint manufacturing.