2018 - Niue 25 NZD Gold Half-Ounce Coin Gustav Klimt - Proof

Scandalous, outrageous, but also tempting and compelling - such is the work of painter Gustav Klimt. The Czech Mint published a gold half-ounce commemorative coin, which is a part of a free cycle dedicated to the greatest narrators of world history on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the master's death and the 110th anniversary of his most famous painting called The Kiss.

Vienna in the end of the 19th century was a fascinating place of contradictions, the center of progressive thoughts and Freud's teachings on human sexuality, but also the capital of European tradition and conservative views. Gifted austrian painter Gustav Klimt was similarly controversial. At the beginning of his career he recognized the principles of academic painting and Emperor Franz Joseph I even awarded him the Golden cross for merit. But then his artistic vision changed completely. Passionate and irritating woman became the main motive of avant-garde paintings full of decadent feelings, eroticism, mysticism and ecstasy. This is how the masterpieces of Judith, The three periods of life of woman, Danae, Adel, Virgo and, above all, the unforgettable Kiss of two lovers on the blooming meadow were created.

The reverse side of the coin made by gifted young medal maker Irena Hradecká, DiS. was dedicated to portrait of a thoughtful artist surrounded by avant-garde decorative elements and Art Nouveau inscription of GUSTAV KLIMT. The obverse side is dominated by the central scene from the image of the Kiss. It incorporates the attributes of Niue Island, which is the coin issuer. Since the coins of the Czech Mint are based on this foreign license, they carry the portrait and the name of Queen Elizabeth II, the nominal value of 25 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of the issue 2018.

An integral part of each coin is a certificate of authenticity that reminds the personality of Gustav Klimt and his most famous works.