Igor Mitoraj — Centurione Series

The Centurione series is among the most recognisable works in Igor Mitoraj's bronze catalogue. Created across the mid-1980s, these partial heads of Roman soldiers — their faces crossed by a horizontal band concealing the eyes — have become emblematic of Mitoraj's fusion of classical authority and postmodern mystery. If you own a Centurione and are considering selling, I am actively buying directly and privately.

О серии Centurione

The Centurione bronzes were conceived in the mid-1980s, when Mitoraj's studio in Pietrasanta was at the height of its foundry activity. Drawing on imagery of Roman imperial portraiture — the centurion as emblem of power and military discipline — Mitoraj introduced a further act of concealment: a horizontal band cutting across the eyes, rendering the soldier simultaneously commanding and blinded. The fragment is already severed at the neck; the concealment of the gaze adds a second rupture. Patina varies between editions: dark brown-black (the standard), greenish oxide, and a rare gilt variant produced in small numbers for gallery clients.

Three principal editions are documented in specialist auction records:

Названия на других языках

The Centurione series is catalogued under several name variants across European auction houses:

• Centurione (Italian, French — the standard auction catalogue form in all countries)
• Centurion (English, German, Dutch, Scandinavian — used at Christie's, Sotheby's, Hampel)
• Centurión (Spanish)
• Centurion / Centurione I / Centurione II — the Roman numeral suffix is always retained regardless of language, as it is the primary distinguishing designation between editions

The works also appear under Testa del Centurione (Head of the Centurion) in some Italian catalogues, and occasionally as Buste de Centurion in French. When searching auction archives, query all variants to avoid missing results.

У вас есть Centurione Миторая?

I am actively seeking all Centurione editions — I and II in any condition, and larger formats in particular. There is no obligation to sell: if you are simply curious about the value of what you own, I am happy to give you a frank and informed assessment. My response is personal, prompt, and entirely private.

Collection Photographs — Centurione Series

Centurione I (1987) & Centurione II (1986)Both editions side by side · Ed. 250 & Ed. 1500

Centurione II (1986)Dark patina · Ed. 1500 · 18.5 × 14 × 6 cm

Centurione I (1987)Dark green patina · white marble cube base · Ed. 250 · signed MITORAJ

Centurione in Public Collections & Cities

The Centurione series exists in both intimate tabletop scale and monumental public format. The most celebrated large-format Centurione stands permanently in Bamberg, Germany — a UNESCO World Heritage city whose mediaeval streets provide a striking contrast with the post-classical bronze. In London's Canary Wharf, a monumental Centurione I stands permanently alongside Testa Addormentata and Centauro, making it one of the densest concentrations of Mitoraj's public work outside Italy.

At La Défense in Paris, a large Centurione has stood since 2000 in front of the Tour Fiat — one of four major Mitoraj works in the French capital's modernist business district. These monumental commissions demonstrate how the Centurione motif scales: from a 19 cm bronze on a marble base to a bronze head over a metre tall, the compositional language is identical.

Authenticating a Centurione Bronze

Genuine Centurione examples carry several consistent features. The signature MITORAJ is incised or stamped at the base of the neck — never on the back of the head or on the base itself. The edition number is stamped on the reverse of the neck, formatted as a numeral followed by the total edition (e.g. 182/250 for Centurione I, or 615/1500 for Centurione II). Foundry marks from either the Fonderia Venturi Arte, Bologna (for the earlier casts) or the Del Chiaro foundry, Pietrasanta appear on some examples. Certificates of authenticity from the Atelier Mitoraj in Pietrasanta provide the strongest provenance, though many genuine examples circulate without them — the foundry mark and signature are sufficient for authentication in the major auction houses.

Be cautious of examples where the signature appears cast rather than incised, or where the edition number format differs from the standard. I am familiar with both series across hundreds of auction records and can advise on any specific example you may own.

Condition & Value Factors

Centurione bronzes in circulation vary considerably in condition. The most common issue is surface cleaning — overzealous polishing removes the original dark patina and leaves the bronze with an uncharacteristic sheen. This is difficult to reverse and meaningfully reduces value. Original dark or verde patina in stable condition is always preferable. The presence of the original base (typically black marble or travertine for Centurione I, plain marble for Centurione II) adds to the value. The coin medallion detail, where present, does not affect price. Signed and numbered examples in original patina with original base achieve the top of the auction range consistently.

Related Searches

Collectors and sellers looking for information on the Centurione series also search for: Mitoraj bronze sculptures, Centurione II specifically, Mitoraj auction prices, and Mitoraj Tête Secrète — another bandaged head series with strong collector demand.

See also: Mitoraj Centurione in Bamberg · Centurione II · All bronzes wanted · Mitoraj auction context · Tête Secrète

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