2012 10g Austria Gold 2012 10g Austria Gold Adele Bloch-Bauer I Proof PP PP

The Austrian Mint proudly presents the 2012 'Adele Bloch-Bauer I' 50 Euro Gold Coin, the groundbreaking inaugural release in its highly anticipated 'Klimt and his Women' series. This coin celebrates Gustav Klimt's most famous and enigmatic portrait, a cornerstone of his 'Golden Phase' and a work that revolutionized portraiture with its opulent use of gold and intricate symbolism. Struck in exquisite Proof quality, this gold coin magnificently captures the ethereal beauty and captivating allure of Klimt's masterpiece, marking the beginning of a truly exceptional numismatic collection dedicated to one of Austria's greatest artists."

II. Unveiling Enigma and Opulence: Design & Artistry

"The coin's design intricately portrays elements from Klimt's iconic painting, bringing its spirit to gold:

Obverse: The obverse features a compelling portrait of Gustav Klimt himself, based on a photograph from around 1917/1918. This dignified depiction is framed within a square that evokes a painter's canvas, subtly incorporating a spiral motif characteristic of Klimt's ornamentation. This side also includes the country of issue 'REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH' (Republic of Austria), the face value '50 EURO', and the year '2012'.

Reverse: The reverse showcases a powerful detail from Klimt's 'Adele Bloch-Bauer I.' It focuses on Adele's face and shoulders, capturing her serene yet enigmatic expression, surrounded by the painting's distinctive, richly textured gold patterns. These abstract and geometric forms, reminiscent of ancient mosaics, are faithfully reproduced, emphasizing the luxurious and symbolic nature of Klimt's original work. The letter 'K', the first letter in the word 'KLIMT', is cleverly integrated into the design, setting the thematic precedent for the entire series. This side was masterfully designed by Thomas Pesendorfer."