Angèle
Outdoor monumental sculpture • Igor Mitoraj (194 Poland - 2014 France)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Classicism (Neo-Classicism with a Post-Modernist sense of fragmentation)
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with intentional verdigris patina and textured surface modeling
Creation Period
Created in 2011 (Installation photographed in 2024)
Dimensions & Format
Monumental scale; approximately 4 to 5 meters in length; horizontal/reclining format.
Subject Description
A monumental, prostrate winged figure (Icarus or an angel) that appears as a fragmented archaeological ruin. A smaller face is embedded within one of the wings, referencing Greek or Roman mask-making and the concept of 'hidden' history. The piece explores themes of human frailty, the passage of time, and the enduring beauty of the classical ideal despite its broken state.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; well-maintained as part of a public exhibition with natural weathering consistent with bronze material.
Estimated Market Value
$800,000 - $1,500,000 USD (based on comparable monumental bronze sales by the artist)
Auction Estimate
$600,000 - $1,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Formerly in the artist's personal collection/estate; exhibited in various prestigious European sites including Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli as part of a temporary large-scale retrospective of the artist's work.
Art Historical Significance
Mitoraj is considered one of the most important sculptors of the late 20th century to bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern conceptualism. His work is significant for its dialogue with classical antiquity, particularly how he uses 'fake ruins' to comment on the loss of cultural identity in the modern age.
Notable Features
The deliberate decapitation and missing limbs (non-finito aesthetic); the square window cut-out in the wing revealing a miniature face; and the high-contrast green patina that mimics ancient bronzes found in the Mediterranean.
Condition Issues
Minor surface oxidation and atmospheric deposits due to outdoor exposure; no structural damage visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic cleaning with pH-neutral solutions and reapplication of protective microcrystalline wax to prevent copper corrosion from acidic rainfall.