There was a banana worth 6 million, now there will be... a golden toilet. Is that still art?

The media loves to write about the works of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, and especially about their prices. We suspect the upcoming auction of a unique work titled "America" ​​will also generate a lot of buzz.

There are artists whose work we all know, but their name isn't obvious to everyone. When I write "Maurizio Cattelan," it probably won't be immediately clear to everyone. When I add "A banana and a six-million-dollar tape" ... Everything should be clear.

Maurizio Cattelan, Comedian Photo: Press materials / Sotheby's

The artist, known for his controversial works, will soon be in the news again, as another of his works is about to go under the hammer. This time, it's time for... a golden toilet.

In November, Sotheby’s auction house in New York will offer for sale the work “America,” a fully functional toilet made of over 100 kilograms of solid 18-karat gold.

Interestingly, the starting price of the work will be determined by the value of gold corresponding to the weight of the work , which means that we will finally know it when the auction begins.

Maurizio Cattelan, America, 2016. Photo: Press materials / Sotheby's

However, it can be speculated that it will amount to around $10 million, and the final price for which the golden work of art will be available will be much higher.

"'America' is Maurizio Cattelan's magnum opus. A mirror both metaphorical and literal for the art world, the work confronts the most difficult questions about art and belief systems held sacred by market and museum institutions," writes David Galperin , head of Sotheby's New York Contemporary Art.

As a reminder, "America" ​​was first installed in the restroom of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2016, and visitors could use it just like a regular toilet. There was a large turnout, with a reported 100,000 people lining up.

The work of art also gained attention in 2019 when it was displayed at Sir Winston Churchill's birthplace and family home, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire , England, from where it was… stolen. This piece has never been found.

All gold toilet connoisseurs will have to head to New York for The Now and Contemporary auction on November 18th. We have a feeling this evening will go down in history…