May 13, 2014
Bill Donohue comments on Thursday's auction of "Piss
Christ":
On May 15, Sotheby's will auction the Andres Serrano masterpiece,
"Piss Christ," at 9:30 a.m. The taxpayers were forced to
fund this "art" in 1987 to the tune of $15,000; it was supported by
the National Endowment for the Arts. "Piss Christ" is Serrano's
primary contribution to Western Civilization: he urinated in a jar with a
crucifix.
Serrano claims that Christians who complain about "Piss Christ" do
not understand that he never intended to insult them. Perhaps it was meant as a
"love letter." No matter, there is no record of him defecating in a
jar with a statue of Muhammad. Or a picture of his mother. Perhaps he loves
them less.
Sotheby's is a perfect place to auction "Piss Christ." In 2005, a
print garnered $42,000. In 2009, it netted $146,500. In 2011, it went for
$50,000. The one onMay 15 is expected to go for $100,000 to $150,000.
Christie's sold one for $105,000 in 2000, and in 2011 another went for
$314,500.
The Catholic League will not make a bid. But we are interested in interviewing
the sucker who buys it. If you know who the lout is, please have him give us a
call.
Contact Sotheby's Press Officer Dan Abernethy:dan.abernethy@sothebys.com