A Flush $12.1m for Cattelan’s 18-Karat Gold Toilet at Sotheby’s First Sales at the Breuer in New York

“America is unlike anything else: a brilliant fusion of material extravagance and conceptual wit. The work’s impact was evident in the crowds it drew to our galleries at the Breuer: we had lines of people queuing for the bathroom at every hour of the day to encounter it in person. More than 25,000 visitors from around the world came to see it, drawn by its audacity and true singularity.”

David Galperin, Head of Contemporary Art, Sotheby’s New York

NEW YORK, 18 NOVEMBER 2025 – Moments ago in a buzzing saleroom at Sotheby’s inaugural auction night in the historic Breuer building, Maurizio Cattelan’s legendary gold toilet, America, sold to a famous American brand for $12.1m – the second highest price for the artist at auction.

Tonight’s sale marks the highly anticipated auction debut of America, arriving exactly one year after Maurizio Cattelan first made history at Sotheby’s. In November 2024, his Comedian – a banana fastened to a wall with duct tape  – sold for $6.2 million, far exceeding its $1-1.5 million estimate. Comedian drew global fascination and debate around notions of value, authorship, the role of the artist and the meaning of art. America stands as its perfect foil – a work of sheer intrinsic material value that continues Cattelan’s profound conceptual exploration of the bounds of artistic production, and of how we ascribe value.

Since Sotheby’s opened the doors of its new home at the Breuer, 25,000 visitors have queued to experience the work first-hand.

Tune in live as Sotheby’s Now and Contemporary Evening Auction continues from New York.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City is now open to the public.