A provocative artwork depicting Donald Trump crucified on a cross has gone on display at a Basel art gallery, sparking controversy even before its official exhibition opening on Saturday. The sculpture, titled "Saint or Sinner," measures 1.47 meters by 83 centimeters and features an almost lifelike representation of the former U.S. president attached to a wooden cross.

The controversial piece was created by London-based artist Mason Storm, who is known for maintaining anonymity by always appearing masked in public. The artwork has already been sold to a buyer who wishes to remain anonymous, according to gallery owner Melanie Breznik. She described the purchaser as "an internationally known person" who prefers to keep their identity private due to the sensitive nature of the work.

The sculpture's insurance value has reportedly reached the higher six-figure range, reflecting both its artistic significance and the controversy surrounding it. The piece is being displayed at Gallery Gleis 4, which is based in Zug but operates within the exhibition area of Basel's Kunstmeile (Art Mile), one of Switzerland's premier contemporary art districts.

Gallery owner Breznik acknowledged that the artwork has attracted criticism even before its public debut, though she has not specified the exact nature of the complaints or their sources. The timing of the exhibition is particularly notable, coming during a period of heightened political tension and just days before significant political events in the United States.

The sculpture represents the latest in a series of politically charged artworks that have emerged in recent years, reflecting the polarized nature of contemporary politics and the role of art in social commentary. Mason Storm's decision to remain anonymous while creating such provocative works appears to be a deliberate artistic choice, allowing the artwork itself to speak without the distraction of the artist's personal identity. The exhibition is expected to draw both supporters and critics, with discussions about the intersection of art, politics, and religious imagery likely to continue throughout its run.