Maurizio Cattelan Releases Limited Miniature Edition of 'La Nona Ora' Through Online Lottery

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan has launched a limited edition miniature version of his 1999 installation 'La Nona Ora' through the online platform Avant Arte. The scaled-down sculpture depicts Pope John Paul II struck by a meteorite, referencing the ninth hour of Christ's crucifixion. Only 666 copies are being produced, each priced at €2,310. Rather than direct purchase, interested collectors must enter a lottery system between April 2 and April 23, 2026, with winners announced on April 23. Successful applicants will receive their miniature works in November 2026. The initiative is expected to generate approximately €1.5 million in revenue. As part of the project, Cattelan has established a telephone confession line from April 2-22 where participants can confess sins via a US toll-free number or WhatsApp internationally. The artist will select individuals he deems most in need of absolution for a live-streamed telephone confession event, during which he promises 'not only forgiveness, but also the possibility of a miracle.' This marks another collaboration between Cattelan and Avant Arte, following last autumn's global treasure hunt for three of his miniatures priced at €1,500 each. The miniature measures approximately 30×12 cm and is crafted from hand-painted resin with a metal cross.