Silver Two Ounces 2012 Raising of the Cross Triptych, Coin from Niue - detailed information

This coin was issued in Niue.

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The Raising of the Cross is a renowned masterpiece by a German-born Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens that has been immortalized on the 2012 triptych coins issued by Niue. This world renowned triptych was completed in 1610 to become part of the high alter of the church of St-Walpurgis in Antwerp, Belgium.

This coin depicts "The Raising of the Cross", a masterpiece of painter "Rubens". The work shows the clear influence of Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists such as Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and Michelangelo. The central panel illustrates a tension between the multitude of finely muscled men attempting to lift the cross and the seemingly unbearable weight of Christ on the cross. Christ cuts across the central panel in a diagonal, stylistically akin to Caravaggio's Entombment where both descent and ascent are in play at a key moment. Motion, space and time are illustrated along with the struggle to upright the cross. Rubens uses dynamic color and chiaroscuro boldly, a style that would become more subtle with time.The reverse of each coin depicts Queen Elizabeth II profile.The three coins are housed in an elegant wooden box with an illustrative book.The Mint says about this coin:

   The Raising of the Cross is a renowned masterpiece by a German-born Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens that has been immortalized on the 2012 triptych coins issued by Niue. This world renowned triptych w
Material: 925
Boxed.
Date of issue: 2012
Weight: 62.2 g
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity.
Denomination: 4 dollars
Size: 17,5 x 35 (x2) & 35
Coin accent: Coloring, Unusual Shape
Quality: Proof

The Raising of the Cross is a renowned masterpiece by a German-born Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens that has been immortalized on the 2012 triptych coins issued by Niue. This world renowned triptych was completed in 1610 to become part of the high alter of the church of St-Walpurgis in Antwerp, Belgium. The obverse of these silver proof coins represents the portrait of Her Majesty Elizabeth II with the inscriptions of the Queen’s name indicated above. Below the effigy, there are the legends denoting the name of the issuing country and the face value of these Niue triptych coins. Represented with astonishing detail, The Raising of the Cross triptych can’t help drawing one’s attention to the coin reverse. This Rubens painting depicts some rippling-muscled men lifting Jesus in the Cross, the whole ambience being filled with extreme drama, tension and power. The exceptional dynamics and verve of the triptych is a result of the influence of the Italian styles of Baroque and Renaissance. Issued with the extremely limited mintage quantity of only 500 pieces worldwide, the Raising of the Cross triptych coins are housed in an elegant foldout timber case making them a matchless addition to a collection of art coins as well as a luxurious gift to be appreciated by everyone.