The Meteor as Art - Maurizio Cattelan’s “Pope Struck by a Meteorite” Sells for $3 Million

Maurizio Cattelan’s La Nona Oralso (1999)
Venice Biennalle Installation
wax, clothing, polyester resin with metallic powder, volcanic rock, carpet, glass
Maurizio Cattelan’s "La Nona Oralso" (1999, translated as "The Ninth-Hour"), was auctioned off at Christie’s in May of 2001 for $886,000.
In 2006, it sold for $3 Million.
Also known as "Pope Struck by a Meteorite," Cattelan defends his installation at the 2000 Venice Biennale with a glib statement,
"In the end it is only a piece of wax."

