Angelu (Angel)
Monumental sculpture • Igor Mitoraj (194 Poland - 2014 France)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Classicism / Postmodernism (Neo-Classical Revival)
Medium & Technique
Bronze with greenish-brown patina; cast using the lost-wax process with intentional textural irregularities and fragmented limbs.
Creation Period
2002 (Installation in current location since 2011)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 2 x 4.5 x 2 meters; horizontal monumental format.
Subject Description
A monumental, truncated figure of a fallen angel lying on the ground. The figure is missing arms and feet, appearing like an archaeological relic. The face reflects a serene, stoic expression typical of Greco-Roman sculpture, while the large wings suggest a failed divinity. It explores themes of human fragility, the passage of time, and the weight of history.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The work shows natural weathering and oxidation consistent with outdoor bronze exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$800,000 - $1,500,000 USD (based on private sales of Mitoraj monumental bronzes)
Auction Estimate
$600,000 - $1,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Permanently installed in the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, following a major retrospective of Mitoraj's work held in the city in 2011.
Art Historical Significance
Mitoraj is world-renowned for bridging the gap between ancient classical beauty and the fractured reality of the modern world. This specific work is significant for its placement in the Piazza dei Miracoli, creating a dialogue between the perfection of Pisan Romanesque architecture and the 'broken' classicism of the sculpture.
Notable Features
The contrast between the smooth, idealized facial features and the rough, 'broken' edges of the limbs; the green patina mimics the look of bronzes recovered from the sea.
Condition Issues
Surface oxidation (verdigris), minor bird droppings, and environmental soot accumulation; minor abrasions at the base from public contact.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic cleaning with non-ionic detergents, application of protective microcrystalline wax, and monitoring for deep corrosion or 'bronze disease'.