Jackson Pollock, the pioneering American painter known for his radical drip technique, died on August 11, 1956. His death at age 44 came after a period of personal turmoil and marked the end of a transformative but tragically brief career.
This article outlines key facts about Pollock’s death, the circumstances surrounding it, and how that date is recorded in art historical timelines. The structured details that follow help clarify the who, what, when, and why without unnecessary speculation.
Death Date and Basic Facts
Official Chronology
The table below presents a concise profile of Jackson Pollock, focusing on biographical anchors relevant to understanding his death and legacy.
| Category | Detail | Source Context | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Jackson Pollock | Biographical records | Legal identity |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1912 | Official biographies | Establishes era and influences |
| Date of Death | August 11, 1956 | Coroner and estate records | End of life and artistic timeline |
| Place of Death | East Hampton, New York | Local reports | Geographic context |
| Cause of Death | Alcohol-related car crash | Coroner’s findings | Direct circumstances |
The Final Days of Jackson Pollock
Personal Turmoil and Artistic Life
In the months leading up to August 1956, Pollock struggled with alcoholism and the pressures of fame. His marriage to artist Lee Krasner was strained, and he had recently resumed drinking heavily after a period of relative sobriety.
Location and Circumstances
At the time, Pollock was living in Springs, East Hampton, where he worked in a converted barn studio. On the night of August 10, he attended a party and drank heavily before getting behind the wheel of his vehicle.
Art Historical Impact of His Death
End of a Pioneering Era
Pollock’s death marked a turning point for the Abstract Expressionist movement. Many contemporaries viewed him as the movement’s most radical and influential figure, and his sudden loss reshaped conversations about Abstract Expressionism’s future.
Legacy and Record Keeping
Museums, auction houses, and scholars rely on the verified date of August 11, 1956, to anchor timelines, exhibition planning, and provenance research. Consistent documentation ensures clarity when discussing his artistic output.
Jackson Pollock in Context
Comparisons and Contemporaries
Placing his death date alongside contemporaries such as Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko helps illustrate the broader shifts in mid-century modern art. Pollock’s passing signaled the close of a distinct phase in American artistic innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson Pollock died on August 11, 1956, at age 44.
- His death occurred in East Hampton, New York, following a car crash linked to alcohol.
- Pollock’s passing marked a significant moment for the Abstract Expressionist movement.
- Reliable records, including coroner reports and estate documents, confirm the date and circumstances.
- Understanding this date helps situate his work within 20th-century art history and ongoing scholarship.
FAQ
Reader questions
On what date did Jackson Pollock die?
Jackson Pollock died on August 11, 1956.
Where did Jackson Pollock die?
He died in a car crash in East Hampton, New York.
How old was Jackson Pollock when he died?
He was 44 years old at the time of his death.
What was the cause of Jackson Pollock’s death?
He died from injuries sustained in an alcohol-related car crash.