Maurizio Cattelan Hitler statue sets new artist record

Maurizio Cattelan's Him (2001), a statue of a kneeling Hitler, has sold for $17.2m - a new record for the artist's work.

It was the star lot of Christie's Bound to Fail auction in New York on May 8, edging out Cattelan's previous record of $7.9m.

Koons and Hitler
Works by Jeff Koons and Maurizio Cattelan led the May 8 sale

It beat its $15m estimate by 14.6%.

The sculpture appears from behind as a small, childlike figure in a grey suit. On walking round to the front the face of the dictator is revealed.

The controversial work plays with preconceptions of the nature of evil. Cattelan is expressly provocative and satirical in the execution of his work.

Another of his statues depicts the Pope being hit by a meteorite.

Loic Gouzer, Christie's deputy chairman of post-war and contemporary art, comments: "We were encouraged by the passionate response to works that have traditionally been overlooked or construed as challenging.

"The depth of interest for [Him] speaks to its international notoriety, and its ability to breach the boundaries of fine art and popular culture, forcing the viewer to reconsider challenging questions about action and absolution."

The sale also included Jeff Koons' One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank, which sold for $15.2m.

You can take a look at all our art and photography memorabilia here.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about art and photography auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock