Most Expensive Toilet Auctioned: $10 Million in New York
The Golden Flush: Cattelan’s ‘America’ Heads to Auction
A fully functional toilet crafted from approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of solid gold is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York on November 18th. The piece, titled ‘America,’ is the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and is estimated to fetch a starting bid of $10 million.
Cattelan is renowned for his satirical and often controversial works. He previously gained international attention with ‘Comedian’ (2019), a banana duct-taped to a gallery wall that sparked debate about the nature of art and its value. ‘America’ continues this tradition of challenging conventional notions of art and consumerism.
A History of Provocation
The creation of ‘america’ in 2016 coincided with a period of political upheaval in the United States, adding another layer of meaning to the artwork. Initially installed in the Guggenheim Museum in New york, the toilet was offered for public use, providing a unique and subversive experience for visitors. The piece was removed after a period of public access.
| Artwork | Year | Medium | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘America’ | 2016 | Solid Gold | Fully functional toilet; estimated $10M+ starting bid. |
| ‘Comedian’ | 2019 | Banana & Duct Tape | Sparked debate about the definition of art. |
The upcoming auction presents a rare chance to acquire a truly unique and provocative piece of contemporary art. Whether it will be purchased as a statement piece, a collector’s item, or a functional bathroom fixture remains to be seen.