Dubbed America, the 223 pound throne is crafted entirely from 18 karat gold. Its starting bid of $10 million mirrored the then current market value of gold itself, making the piece both a literal and symbolic treasure.
Cattelan, known for his audacious artistic statements, described the work as a satirical commentary on America’s boundless wealth and the culture of excess. I wanted to place something incredibly precious in the most ordinary, essential context, he explained, to highlight the strange romance between high art and everyday life.
Before the auction, the public was invited to view the golden fixture at Sotheby’s New York headquarters but, notably, without the privilege of using it.
After the sale, the toilet was transported to England and installed in Blenheim Palace, only to be stolen later. Two individuals were prosecuted, yet the artwork was never recovered. Authorities believe it was likely melted down, echoing previous thefts of priceless museum treasures.
Cattelan’s provocative portfolio includes the infamous Comedian, a banana affixed to a wall with tape, which captivated pop culture and sold for $120,000, later reaching $6 million in value. With America, he once again challenges notions of value, utility, and taste, leaving the art world to grapple with the line between brilliance and folly.
This golden commode, simultaneously a functional toilet and a monumental art piece, serves as a flamboyant reminder: art can be everywhere even in the most unexpected places.
