Gold Toilet Once Offered to Trump Auctioned for $10 Million
The famous solid gold toilet sculpture, titled “America,” created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, is set for auction at Sotheby’s. This unique piece will go on public display in New York for a brief period before being auctioned next month, with a starting bid anticipated around $10 million due to its artisanal and material worth.
Background of the Gold Toilet Sculpture
“America” has a fascinating history. The gold toilet was first installed at the Guggenheim Museum in 2016, where it attracted significant attention. Over 100,000 visitors not only admired but also used the luxurious commode during its exhibition.
In 2017, an interesting incident occurred when then-President Donald Trump requested a van Gogh painting from the Guggenheim for the White House. Instead, the museum offered the gold toilet, but Trump declined the unusual offer.
The Great Gold Toilet Heist
In 2019, “America” was stolen from a palace in England, leading to what became known as the Great Gold Toilet Heist. Although the thieves were convicted earlier this year, the original piece remains missing. Fortunately, Cattelan created more than one version of the golden throne. The auctioned edition has been held by a private and anonymous owner since 2017.
This particular version is believed to be the only remaining “America” still in existence. However, unlike its previous public display, it will not be available for use during the auction.
Artistic Value and Conceptual Basis
Cattelan described his work as “one-percent art for the ninety-nine percent,” stating that whether experiencing a cheap or expensive meal, the result is the same in terms of toilet usage. Sotheby’s head of contemporary art, David Galperin, emphasized that the starting bid reflects the price of gold, aligning with the conceptual essence of the artwork.
The gold toilet challenges traditional notions of art value. “America” forces a dialogue about how art is valued, blending intrinsic worth with aesthetic significance. Galperin explained that Cattelan’s work critiques established systems in the art world, providing a unique perspective rarely confrontationally addressed in contemporary art.
The upcoming auction of “America” symbolizes not just a material possession but also a commentary on societal values in art and luxury.
