Jasper Johns' "White Flag" (1955) is a pivotal work within his renowned flag series, marking a departure into monochrome and engaging deeply with themes of perception, identity, and the symbolic power of the American flag. Created using encaustic on canvas, this piece stands as the largest flag painting by Johns, measuring 198.9 cm by 306.7 cm. The work was groundbreaking not just for its scale but for its exploration of the flag's imagery in a single, ghostly hue, diverging from the vibrant red, white, and blue traditionally associated with the American flag​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Jasper Johns Org)​.

Johns' approach to "White Flag" involved the use of three separately stretched panels of canvas, onto which he applied a collage of paper and fabric, dipped in molten beeswax, before combining them to form a unified whole. This method allowed for a richly textured surface, with the beeswax creating a translucent to opaque finish. The decision to render the flag in white is seen as an exploration of its symbolic meanings—distorting its flatness and familiar colors to invite viewers to reconsider its symbolism and presence​ (Jasper Johns Org)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

The work was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1998, a significant addition given its role in Johns' oeuvre and its broader implications for American art. "White Flag" not only exemplifies Johns' innovative use of materials and his departure from Abstract Expressionism but also prefigures elements of Pop, Minimal, and Conceptual art, making it a critical piece for understanding his impact on contemporary art​ (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

This painting has been displayed in various prestigious exhibitions worldwide, underscoring its importance in the art historical canon and its influence on subsequent art movements. Its acquisition and exhibition history highlight the enduring fascination and scholarly interest in Johns' exploration of American symbols and their meanings​ (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)​.