Post by : Rameen Ariff

New York, Nov 19, 2025: An impressive solid gold toilet named “America” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan was auctioned for a staggering $12.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York, adding to its status as a contemporary art focal point. This sale coincided with Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, which achieved an astonishing $236 million, establishing a new record for modern art auctions.

The 101-kilogram (223-pound), 18-karat-gold toilet began with a $10 million starting bid and immediately attracted attention for its audacious commentary on wealth and excess. Cattelan, recognized for his thought-provoking artworks like the banana installation, portrayed “America” as a satirical critique of extreme wealth. He noted, “Regardless of whether you dine on a $200 meal or a $2 hot dog, the end result remains the same — toilet-wise,” underlining the artwork’s humorous yet critical social message.

Sotheby’s described the work as “an incisive commentary on the intersection of artistic creation and market value,” reflecting art's dual identity as both symbol and commodity. Previously owned by a private collector, it is one of only two such pieces crafted by Cattelan in 2016, with the other once displayed at the Guggenheim in New York and controversially offered to US President Donald Trump during a loan request.

The piece has a vibrant backstory: an original version was taken during an exhibition at Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace. Although two men were convicted for the theft, the stolen toilet's whereabouts remain unknown, with some experts speculating it may have been melted.

Cattelan's “America” was displayed at Sotheby’s New York for weeks prior to the auction, drawing attention from art lovers and critics alike. The groundbreaking sale illustrates a rising trend of controversial art pieces capturing international interest and igniting discussions regarding satire, affluence, and social commentary in current art.

Maurizio Cattelan, known for igniting discussions through his bold works, continues to highlight societal themes, consumption, and wealth extremities. With “America” now under private ownership, its sensational appeal will likely keep it in the spotlight for years ahead.

The sale of this toilet, alongside Klimt's record-breaking portrait, showcases Sotheby’s New York as a leader in prominent art auctions, blending classic masterpieces with modern provocations in a marketplace increasingly characterized by striking statements and remarkable valuations.

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