Igor Mitoraj — Tête Secrète

The Tête Secrète (Secret Head) is one of the most intimate and sought-after editions in Igor Mitoraj's entire body of work. Created in 1978 — among the earliest of his signature bandaged head motifs — this small polished bronze encapsulates the entire philosophy of concealment, fragility, and mystery that defines his career. If you own a Tête Secrète, I am an active buyer.

About the Tête Secrète

Unlike the more martial Centurione series, the Tête Secrète is entirely personal in scale and feeling. The head — approximately 12 cm without base — is wrapped so completely in tight bandaging that only the oval of the skull is visible beneath. No features emerge. The bronze surface is polished to a warm golden tone in the principal edition, catching light in a way that emphasises the rounded forms beneath the wrapping.

The edition was published by Artcurial, Paris — the prestigious French auction house and gallery that worked closely with Mitoraj throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Artcurial was instrumental in building the market for his small bronze editions and the Tête Secrète was one of their most successful multiples. The edition is limited to 250 numbered examples, each signed by the artist and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Artcurial.

Tête Secrète — 1978, Gold-Patina Bronze

Bronze, polished gold patina · Edition 250 · Artcurial, Paris · 12 cm (without base) · 20 cm total on black marble base

The principal edition is cast in polished bronze with a warm gold patina. The head sits on an original black marble cube base. The underside is numbered and signed. Most examples retain their original black marble base; those that have lost the base still retain full collectability if signed.

Tête Secrète — Silver-Patina Variant (Visage Bandé)

Bronze, silver/pewter patina · Limited · 11.5 × 11 × 7 cm on black cubic base

A closely related variant — sometimes referred to separately as the Visage Bandé or Visage Envoilé — renders the same bandaged head concept in a darker, silver-pewter patina. This variant shows more of the face: the lips are just visible, breaking through the horizontal wrapping bands. The mood is distinctly different — more austere, more haunted. Also from an Artcurial edition of 250.

Market Value and Recent Sales

The Tête Secrète consistently achieves between €1,500 and €4,500 at auction for the gold-patina variant in excellent condition with the original base. The silver variant typically sells in a similar range. Condition of the base and the completeness of the paperwork (Artcurial certificate) meaningfully affect final price. I buy privately, at competitive prices that reflect current auction levels.

Sell Your Tête Secrète

If you own a Tête Secrète by Mitoraj — in any condition, with or without the base, with or without the certificate — please contact me. I respond to every message personally within 24 hours and there is no obligation to proceed.

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