Brought back into the spotlight, a $12.1 million gold toilet, named 'America' and crafted by the Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan, was purchased by Ripley's Believe It or Not! at Sotheby's auction. This unique piece has a history marked by theft; the original casting, displayed at Blenheim Palace, was stolen in 2019 during a dramatic heist.
The golden toilet weighs over 101 kg (approximately 15 stone 13 pounds) and is fully functional, made from 18-karat gold. The initially displayed work at the Guggenheim Museum in 2016 garnered media attention after its theft, which involved five men breaking in and escaping in a stolen vehicle.
The distinct auction strategy saw the auction house set the starting bid based on the weight of the item in gold, approximated at $10 million. Despite the high stakes, only one bid was made for the piece. After the auction, Ripley’s revealed they were behind the purchase through a playful Instagram post stating we're flush with excitement.”
Ripley’s has expressed interest in possibly allowing guests to experience the artwork firsthand, mentioning the need for careful planning for such an exhibit. This purchase marks a significant cultural commentary on the value of art, as outlined by Sotheby's, which emphasized the work’s provocative nature regarding the relationship between art, market values, and societal beliefs.
Additionally, this auction also showcased another crucial piece of art— a painting by Gustav Klimt sold for $236.4 million, positioning it as the second most expensive artwork ever auctioned.
