In an event that perfectly blends high art with high value, a fully functional toilet made from solid gold is heading to the auction block this Tuesday evening. The piece, a provocative work by renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, offers a unique investment opportunity for the world's most affluent art collectors.
The Art of Satire: 'America' and its Message
Crafted from 101 kilograms (223 pounds) of 18-karat gold, the lavatory is titled 'America'. Cattelan, who is famously known for taping a banana to a wall, has stated that the work is a sharp satire on extreme wealth. He once remarked that 'Whatever you eat, a $200 lunch or a $2 hot dog, the results are the same, toilet-wise.' The auction house, Sotheby's, describes the golden commode as an 'incisive commentary on the collision of artistic production and commodity value.'
A Notorious History: From Guggenheim to a Daring Heist
This particular toilet, owned by an unnamed collector, is one of only two created by Cattelan in 2016. Its counterpart gained international notoriety. It was first displayed at New York's Guggenheim Museum, which later famously offered to lend it to the White House during the presidency of Donald Trump after he requested a Van Gogh painting.
The story took a dramatic turn when that same golden toilet was stolen in 2019 while on display at Blenheim Palace in England, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Two men were convicted for the audacious heist, but the fate of the lavatory remains a mystery. Investigators believe it was most likely broken apart and melted down to sell the raw gold, and its current whereabouts are unknown.
The Auction and Its Implications
The surviving 'America' has been exhibited at Sotheby's New York headquarters in the weeks leading up to the sale. The auction is set for Tuesday evening, 18th November 2025, with the starting bid pegged at the current market value of the gold, which is approximately $10 million. This sale not only highlights the immense value placed on contemporary art but also reignites conversations about art, luxury, and social commentary in today's market.
