Jupiter, Roman God series, Niue Island 2016, 2 Dollars, 2 oz, 50 mm, pure antique finish without any unnecessary decoration, high relief coin, client: Mint of Gdansk, producer: Mint of Poland.
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The reverse of this coin was inspired by the painting “Jupiter and Thetis” by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a famous French neo-classical painter. Unlike the painting there is a silhouette of Thetis at the foot of Jupiter. On the left, behind the god, we see a silhouette of Victory, shown not as Roman but as Greek goddess. It is the reconstruction of the famous Hellenistic sculpture of Nike: the Nike of Samothrace (also called the Winged Victory of Samothrace). The whole scene alludes then to the ancient Greek statue of Zeus at Olympia, the work of the famous sculptor Phidias: in his right hand the god of sky held a statue of Nike, personification of victory.
On the obverse: Temple of Jupiter Stator (Jupiter the stayer) according to engraving of the nineteenth century. Background pattern: mosaic of the 3rd century (Pergamon).
About this coin:
Mennica Gdańska / YouTube
“It’s clear that Jupiter has the potential to be a fine coin. We’re not expecting the relief to be quite as detailed and intricate as shown here.” AgAuNews
In my opinion, the 3D model of my design looks unnatural and clumsy, especially pectoral and abdominal muscles. The further realizations of the same modeller seems more accurate. See my: Poseidon or Nemean Lion.
