Jackson Pollock painting found in Bulgaria during anti-crime raid

A mysterious Jackson Pollock painting was discovered in Sofia, Bulgaria during a joint operation by Bulgarian and Greek anti-crime forces coordinated by Europol against organized crime. The operation led to the arrest of three Greek citizens and one Bulgarian. Alongside the Pollock, five other paintings described as belonging to prominent artists were reportedly found. Authorities have not yet released a description or photograph of the work. The painting bears a handwritten message on its reverse, reportedly a birthday dedication to American actress Lauren Bacall, dated September 16, 1949, her 25th birthday. The message reads: 'Dedicated to my talented and dear friend Lauren Bacall, Happy Birthday' and appears to have been written by Pollock himself, according to the Sofia deputy prosecutor speaking at a BTA press conference. Bacall was a known art collector; her collection of art and jewelry was auctioned by Bonhams in New York in 2015 for nearly $4 million. The Pollock painting has been handed over to specialists at the National Art Gallery in Bulgaria. The prosecutor's office stated that the painting was never cataloged and is not registered as missing. It is being kept in appropriate conditions with necessary security, and an expert appraisal for authenticity and identification has been ordered. If confirmed authentic, the discovery would be significant for the art market.