2022 Cook Islands Masters of Art Vincent van Gogh 2oz Silver Proof Coin

The idea of this new series is to combine a famous painting with a portrait of its artist. This edition is dedicated to Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), considered one of the greatest painters of all time, a true Master of Art. His most creative and productive period began in February 1888, when the Dutch painter moved to Arles in the south of France, where he formed a working and living partnership with Paul Gauguin. During this time, he created many of his most famous works, especially landscape paintings, interiors and self-portraits. Among them ‘Wheat Field with Cypresses‘ which was selected for this coin. Van Gogh finished this painting, with its vibrant colours and striking brushstrokes, in 1889. Which was only about a year before his tragic, self-inflicted death.

“I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.” (Vincent van Gogh)

The original painting with a height of 73 cm (28.7 in) and width of 93.4 cm (36.7 in) can be admired in full color at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The painting has resided there since 1993. On this ultra-high relief 2 oz proof, the artist himself poses in front of his masterpiece. Thanks to the enhanced smartminting® technology, this is done in a very realistic way. The obverse shows a painter working on his next masterpiece. The effigy is cleverly used as the painting he is working on. The mintage is limited to only 999 pieces. Be quick before the wheat has withered.