Igor Mitoraj — Kea (1979)

The Kea (1979) is one of the most tender and unusual works in Mitoraj's bronze catalogue — a female torso from which two delicate hands emerge: one cradling the chest, one resting at the waist, in an intimate gesture of self-embrace. Published by Artcurial, Paris, in an edition of 250, Kea predates the more widely collected mythological series of the 1980s and 1990s and belongs to Mitoraj's early Pietrasanta period.

About the Kea

Kea was made in 1979, the same year Mitoraj made his first trip to Carrara — the moment that shifted his practice decisively toward stone and bronze, and toward the fragmentary human body as his central subject. The work anticipates all that follows: the truncation of the body, the intimacy of scale, the copper-brown patina that recalls both ancient bronze and warm flesh.

The title Kea refers to the Greek island in the Cyclades — a place associated with classical sculpture and the Aegean tradition of the idealised human form. In giving this intimate female torso a geographical title, Mitoraj connects it to the landscape that shaped his vision of antiquity.

Unlike many of Mitoraj's later bronzes — where the body is cut, bandaged, or pierced — Kea is strikingly whole in its torso form. The arms are absent, but the body itself is unruptured; the only addition is the two hands, which seem to appear from outside the figure, as if another — or the figure itself — reaches in to hold what remains.

Market Value and Rarity

The Kea is considerably rarer in the secondary market than the Centurione or Persée series. Its edition of 250 places it alongside the Tête Secrète as one of the smaller Artcurial editions — and its early date (1979) and distinctive subject matter give it a collector profile distinct from the better-known mythological bronzes. Auction estimates from Italian houses (including Art-Rite) place the Kea at €7,000–€10,000 in excellent condition with original base and documentation.

I buy privately at prices that reflect current auction levels — without the seller paying a 15–25% house commission. If you own a Kea and are considering selling, please send me a photograph and I will respond the same day.

See also: Tête Secrète (1978, Artcurial ed. 250) · Prométhée (Artcurial, ed. 8) · All Mitoraj bronzes wanted · Auction prices guide