For most art-world buyers, a work unsubtly called “Comedian” lacked a certain a-peel.

It’s little wonder: “Comedian” is actually just a banana duct-taped to a wall. Created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, the piece debuted at the 2019 Art Basel fair in Miami, where it caused a sensation but also earned as many chuckles as critical plaudits.

But on Wednesday, Cattelan got the last laugh as “Comedian” sold for $6.24 million, including $1 million in fees.

The buyer was soon…