The hunt for a stolen Jackson Pollock painting, titled "Number 7, 1951," and the emotional journey of Merry White, whose family acquired the artwork directly from Pollock, is a captivating tale of art, crime, and personal trauma. The painting, which once hung over Merry's bed, was stolen from her parents' apartment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1973, along with two other Pollock paintings. The theft triggered a decade of turmoil and anxiety for the family, as they faced legal and financial woes related to insurance and liability. The story highlights the impact of art theft on individuals and the complex emotions associated with the loss of cherished possessions. The recovery of one of the stolen Pollocks, "Number 7, 1951," is a significant turning point, leading to a lawsuit against the building's trustees and their insurer. The narrative also explores the influence of Jackson Pollock on Merry's younger brothers, Mark and Henry, who both took up painting and speak about the artist's impact on their art. The hunt for the remaining missing painting, "Painting 1028," 1948, continues, with Homeland Security Investigations in Paris receiving a tip about its potential return. The story concludes with a visit to the Pollock-Krasner House, where Merry reflects on her complicated feelings towards the artist, and the recovered painting, "Number 7, 1951," serves as a reminder of her family's connection to Pollock.
