Top of the World
The Doors of Igor Mitoraj Height 6.5 m Width 3 m. Weight 3 tons. Right door: ANNOUNCEMENT It has as its theme the mystery of the Annunciation of the Angel to the Virgin Mary: an angel from above (left wing) and Mary listening (right wing). A diffuse background gives a glimpse of the space of the world. The earthly orb unfolds, through glazed backgrounds and rippling drafts that are intended to signify the transformation of chronological time into a time of grace. On the lunette, in a sober and scattered way, some figures highlight the presence of the Angels: figures of only heads, sometimes blindfolded and a young body without the head. It is difficult to grasp their essence given the height at which they are placed. At the bottom of the door is the inscription: Ecce ancilla domini fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Door on the left: RESURRECTION Left door It symbolizes the Risen Christ, represented by a figure that bears a Cross engraved on its body, a sign of natural amalgamation and sharing. The figure of the Risen Christ becomes one with the Cross that penetrates deep into his own body. Resurrection seen as the triumph of the Cross over Death and Evil. Jesus is conceived as a young and beautiful figure, now purified by suffering. In the background a bandaged head and the palm of a hand. Here too, on the lunette, sober and scattered figures are intended to represent the Martyrs. Right-hand door At the bottom, two blindfolded heads and above them the artist's signature: Igor Mitoraj, A.D. MMV (in the Year of Our Lord 2005). The panels are substantially smooth, but the bronze has splendid shades of different patinas: one green, one rust-coloured and one terracotta. The essential figuration of the narrative itself is flanked by large empty spaces and "silences". The figures in the lunettes thus recall the title of the Basilica: Angels and Martyrs. Inside both doors, large whole figures of "Archangels". In the opening doors, two small heads blindfolded, close together.
