The hunt for a stolen Jackson Pollock painting - Post Reports Recap

Podcast: Post Reports

Published: 2026-01-10

Duration: 35 minutes

Guests: Sebastian Smee

Summary

This episode delves into the theft of Jackson Pollock's paintings from the home of Reginald Isaacs, exploring the personal and emotional impact on his daughter, Merry White, and the eventual recovery of two of the missing artworks.

What Happened

The episode tells the story of how three Jackson Pollock paintings were stolen from the home of Harvard professor Reginald Isaacs in 1973. Merry White, Isaacs's daughter, recounts her complicated relationship with one of the paintings that hung over her bed as a child. The theft left Isaacs in turmoil, affecting his mental health and financial stability. The narrative follows the recovery of two of the paintings, one of which was found in a hotel room in Newton, Massachusetts, partially buried and wrapped in plastic. The investigation into the theft was linked to organized crime, with connections to other art thefts in the area. Despite the recovery of two paintings, the third remains missing, with its potential value being a source of hope for White's financial security. The episode also explores Jackson Pollock's life, his volatile personality, and his friendship with Isaacs, which was both a source of pride and distress for White.

Key Insights

• In 1973, three Jackson Pollock paintings were stolen from the home of Harvard professor Reginald Isaacs, with only two of them eventually recovered. The theft was linked to organized crime, which had connections to other art thefts in the area.
• One of the stolen Pollock paintings was found in a hotel room in Newton, Massachusetts, partially buried and wrapped in plastic, highlighting the lengths to which thieves went to conceal their stolen art.
• Despite the recovery of two paintings, the third Pollock remains missing, and its potential value is a source of hope for financial security for Merry White, the daughter of Reginald Isaacs.
• Jackson Pollock's volatile personality and friendship with Reginald Isaacs were both a source of pride and distress for Isaacs's daughter, Merry White, reflecting the complex personal relationships surrounding the artist.