Blog series: Couples' Stories part 3.
by Françoise from association Les Amis de l’Euro.
More than 10% of the total 2 EUR coins feature two characters. This is an excellent reason to investigate the subject. Who are these couples? I won't go over all the coins with this type of design; it would be endless. So, I have made a selection, and I stand by it. This blog series is divided into four parts:
Colleagues
Dynastic Connections
Art
Two Truly Special Cases
Part 3. Art
How to represent art on euro coins? The two predominant approaches involve either featuring the artwork itself or highlighting the artist behind it. Examples abound.
Among the coins that depict the artwork, one example is the Italian commemorative 2 EUR coin below, dedicated in 2019 to the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci.
The coin features a detail from his painting "Lady with an Ermine," painted in 1488. The artist is represented on the coin only by the mention of his name "Leonardo" on the left, next to the abbreviation "RI" for the Italian Republic.
Example within the category of coins portraying artists, is the illustration of the Belgian commemorative 2 EUR coin struck in 2020 to celebrate the painter Jan van Eyck (ca. 1390-1441).
The Artist and His Work
This is the synthesis of the two previous options: to coexist on a coin both the artwork and the artist.
A first example concerns Auguste Rodin, whose centenary of death was honoured by France on a 2 EUR coin in 2017. The sculptor shares the surface of the coin with his masterpiece: "The Thinker," a work that needs no introduction.
The scale and composition distinctly prioritize the artist—acknowledging him as the focal point of the commemoration.
Another example is when Greece commemorates on a 2 EUR coin the 400th anniversary of the death of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known by the nickname given to him by Spain, which has endured in posterity: "El Greco." The painter was born in Greece, specifically in Crete, in 1541, but spent his entire career in Toledo, where he died in 1614.
On the coin, the painter is depicted facing forward and in the foreground. In the background, there is a representation of Saint Paul.
Below is the painting "Saint Paul," created in the final years of the artist, which served as a model for the coin. The painting is preserved at the Museo del Greco in Toledo.
Image 5. “Saint Paul” by El Greco, 1610-1614, Museo del Greco in Toledo. Image via Flickr by Missionary Volunteer
As was the case with the French coin, the scale and composition are favourable to the artist, who, once again, was the subject of the commemoration. What is particularly interesting is that two countries are represented on this 2014 coin: the 2 EUR coin is Greek, indeed, but it pays tribute to one of the greatest masters of Spanish painting.
Monaco has recently adopted the same "artist and artwork" scheme to celebrate the painter and sculptor François-Joseph Bosio (1768-1845), as shown below.
Image 6. “250th Anniversary of the birth of François-Joseph Bosio”, 2 Euro 2018, Monaco. NumisCorner.com
It must be admitted that François-Joseph Bosio (1768-1845) does not have the fame of Rodin or El Greco, and the renown of his masterpiece, the "Nymph Salmacis," sculpted in 1826 and preserved at the Louvre, can only benefit from its presence on a Monaco 2 EUR coin.
The Special Case of the "Virgin and Child"
It is difficult to speak of a "couple" in this case, but I still wanted to address this topic since this type of representation has been very common in European history, in religiously inspired painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Euro coins must adhere to a principle of neutrality (otherwise, the European Commission or Member States may oppose their circulation), so representations of the "Virgin and Child" type are quite rare and almost always serve to illustrate something other than a religious scene.
Let me explain. San Marino has issued three coins of this type: in 2019, the commemorative 2 EUR coin below serves as a pretext for celebrating the 550th anniversary of the death of the painter Filippo Lippi. The motif of the coin is a detail from the painting "Madonna col Bambino e due Angeli," created around 1465 and preserved at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Image 7. “The 550th Anniversary of the Death of Filippo Lippi”, 2 Euro 2019, San Marino. NumisCorner.com
Image 8. “Madonna and Child with Two Angels” by Filippo Lippi, 1465 ca, Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Image via Flickr by George M. Groutas
The other two coins from San Marino were struck in 2021 (550th anniversary of the birth of Albrecht Dürer) and in 2023 (500 years since the death of Perugino). The trend is therefore relatively recent and works in San Marino in such a way that the motif of the coin is not perceived as a religious theme but as an illustration of the work of someone worthy of honour.
The only other country featuring a "Virgin and Child" on a 2 EUR coin is Andorra, and the principle is different. In 2021 (again, a recent occurrence), the small principality openly celebrates a religious event: the 100th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Meritxell, the patron saint of the country. Andorra strikes the commemorative 2 EUR coin below for the occasion, representing the statue of Our Lady of Meritxell and, around the statue, details of the basilica that bears her name.
We can see that the theme of the "Virgin and Child" can be accepted on a 2 EUR coin despite the principle of neutrality if presented as an artistic work or even as a commemorative sign.
This article focused on couples in art, but there are many more euro coins representing works of art, some of which are truly successful. Some of these coins are likely to be the subject of articles in the future.
Written by Les Amis de l’Euro.
The article is provided by Les Amis de l’Euro. The French association established in 2003, has 1,300 members across Europe (among others) and a team of volunteer specialists dedicated to serving Euro collectors.
The Association has defined four objectives:
Information: Collecting as much information as possible about euro coins and banknotes and making it available on their website.
Engagement: Creating and maintaining connections among members, answering their questions, and managing a discussion forum.
Collection Management: Regularly updating an online catalogue, facilitating bulk orders for members to secure euros at favourable rates, and regularly issuing numismatic items featuring the association's insignia.
Representation: Thanks to the number and expertise of its members, the association represents collectors to the European Central Bank, the European Commission, and the press, among others. The association also participates in major French and international trade shows.
