Damien Hirst’s bisected pig in formaldehyde is on sale at a Christie’s gallery in London for $12 million:
Hirst’s 1996 taxidermy-in-formaldehyde piece, ‘‘This Little Piggy Went to Market, This Little Piggy Stayed at Home,” consisting of a pig sliced in half in two vitrines, one of which slides backward and forward, attracted crowds of wine-quaffing browsers to the booth of London-based dealers Haunch of Venison.
The sculpture, which was included in the “Sensation” show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1997, was acquired directly from the artist by the gallery, a wholly owned subsidiary of Christie’s International, and priced at $12 million.
“We’re having serious conversations about the piece with a private collector and an institution but it isn’t formally reserved,” said gallery co-founder Harry Blain.
I am taking up a collection to commission Mr. Hirst to execute a self-portrait in the same medium.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com..
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
