Maurizio Cattelan’s Gold Toilet Fetches $12 Million at Auction
A provocative artwork by Maurizio Cattelan, a gold toilet, has sold for an impressive $12.1 million at a recent auction. The piece, aptly named “America,” was sold during a Sotheby’s event in New York. This golden throne, crafted from 18-karat gold, has a controversial history linked to former President Donald Trump.
Details of the Auction
The auction took place on a Tuesday evening, where bidding commenced at $9.9 million. This initial amount reflected the market value of the gold used in the artwork, totaling 2,440 ounces. The bidding rapidly escalated, reaching $10 million with just one bid. After adding fees, the final sale price stood at $12.1 million.
About the Artist and Artwork
Maurizio Cattelan is noted for his conceptual pieces, including one that featured a banana taped to a wall. Cattelan’s intention with “America” was to provoke thought about consumerism. He commented that whether one spends $200 on a gourmet meal or $2 for a hot dog, the end result is the same in a toilet.
Ownership and Previous History
- The successful bidder’s identity remains undisclosed.
- The artwork was previously owned by Steve Cohen, billionaire and owner of the New York Mets.
- A similar piece of art was installed at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
This version of the toilet was stolen during an exhibition in the U.K. in 2019. Although two individuals were imprisoned for the theft, the toilet has never been recovered. Notably, in 2017, the Guggenheim refused a request from Trump’s White House to borrow a Vincent van Gogh piece. Instead, they offered the famous golden toilet.
Artistic Commentary
Sotheby’s described “America” as a significant commentary on the relationship between art and consumer goods. This sale underscores the growing market interest in unique and provocative art forms. Cattelan’s work continues to challenge perceptions of value and art culture.
