Las Vegas NV
2014

Koons is an American artist whose work focuses on popular-culture and admittedly banal objects. For some reason that we'll leave to the critics and collectors, his sculptures set records for the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction. For example, Steve Wynn paid $28 million for Popeye in a 2014 Sotheby’s auction.

The six-and-a-half-foot-tall sailor man was one of only three such pieces Koons made, depicting his childhood hero.

Wynn must be very fond of his acquisition. In 2015, Vegas blogger Robin Leach wrote, “I’m hearing that a rival art collector offered $60 million for Popeye, but Steve rejected the offer despite the profit potential.” Leach added, “The tycoon flies in two cleaning specialists from Germany twice a year for a daylong detailing, which costs him $15,000 for each man, plus travel and hotel expenses.”

Renderings for Encore Boston (during the time Steve Wynn was still associated with the project) showed the Popeye sculpture at the base of a pair of escalators. In his Vegas setting, Wynn kept two security guards on him around the clock. That may be harder to do if the Boston plans remain as drawn. Not that Popeye could be easily stolen: He weighs a ton. But without guards, it might be tempting for someone, perhaps a kid, to deface him.

“He’s a great connection to the water for us,” Encore Boston President Robert DeSalvio told Boston.com. (The resort was then known as Wynn Boston Harbor). “When Wynn purchased Popeye, he knew full well he wanted his home to be here. It was purchased for a reason.” Besides, what better place for a randy sailor than on a waterfront?

“It is a little whimsical. But the piece is just incredibly gorgeous. I think it’s really important. It fits well with the lobby design and what we wanted for the entrance design,” DeSalvio told the press. "I don’t think all art has to be serious. This is fun. This is just a great piece.”

Popeye, however, is still at the Wynn -- in front of the Wynn Theater. It might be moved to Boston, but so far, it's staying put.