A viral paintings of a yellow banana duct-taped to a wall has bought for $6.24 million.
The piece by artist Maurizio Cattelan, named “Comic,” bought at a Sotheby’s public sale in New York Metropolis on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in response to CNN, Reuters and The New York Times.
It was initially estimated to promote for between $1 million and $1.5 million, however was finally snapped up by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Solar for $5.2 million plus a purchaser’s premium, Reuters reported Sotheby’s as confirming.
“This isn’t simply an paintings,” Solar mentioned afterward, per CNN. “It represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of artwork, memes, and the cryptocurrency group. I imagine this piece will encourage extra thought and dialogue sooner or later and can change into part of historical past.”
PEOPLE has contacted Sotheby’s for remark
By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to remain up-to-date on the most effective of what PEOPLE has to supply, from juicy movie star information to forcing human curiosity tales.
Chesnot/Getty
The entrepreneur is about to obtain a banana and a roll of duct tape, in addition to a certificates of authenticity and directions on the best way to set up the paintings.
Solar, 34, mentioned he plans to eat the banana like different spectators have reportedly accomplished in different galleries, Reuters reported.
Sotheby additionally confirmed to CNN that the tape and banana should not the originals.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is right here! How rapidly are you able to resolve it? Play now!
Kevin Frayer/Getty Pictures
PEOPLE beforehand reported in regards to the paintings again in 2019 when it was introduced at Artwork Basel Miami Seaside for $120,000.
The work was reportedly created with a banana that was bought at a grocery retailer. Gallery founder Emmanuel Perrotin informed CNN on the time that the piece represented how bananas are “an emblem of world commerce, a double entendre, in addition to a traditional gadget for humor.”
