Why is For the Love of God Laughing?

An About.com Art History Reader Poll

Damien Hirst (English, b. 1965)
For the Love of God, 2007
Platinum, diamonds and human teeth
6 3/4 x 5 x 7 1/2 in. (17.1 x 12.7 x 19.1 cm)
© Prudence Cuming Associates / Getty Images


This is one very happy cast-in-platinum facsimile of a skull. Observe: it is literally covered with diamonds. Real diamonds, mind you, some 8,601 of them in sizes ranging from "nice engagement ring" to a "knock your eyes out" pear-shaped pink stunner placed squarely in the middle of its forehead. Damien Hirst came up with the concept for this piece, which is entitled For the Love of God and was publicly unveiled on June 3, 2007 to great media attention.

The platinum and diamonds combined cost slightly over an estimated $28 million (US). On August 30, 2007, Hirst's representatives at the White Cube Gallery announced that an unnamed investment group had purchased For the Love of God for its asking price of $100 million (US). So, without further ado, your opinion on the true source of this skull's apparent merriment, please.