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Master Paul of Levoča

€10 silver collector coin

Banknotes and coins, Master Paul of Levoča
Banknotes and coins, Master Paul of Levoča

Master Pavol of Levoča, a wood-carver from the Spiš region at the beginning of the 16th century, was one of the most important wood-carvers in Central Europe. His works built on the traditions of the late-gothic sculpture. They are of remarkable quality and range, and belong to the most appreciated medieval monuments in Slovakia. He is the author of the monumental main altar in St. Jacob’s church in Levoča and other masterpieces, thanks to which the town has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Wing altars from his workshop can also be admired in churches in Sabinov, Lipany or Banská Bystrica. The complex architecture of these altars with numerous pinnacles and ornaments includes sculptures and panel paintings. The sculptures are typical for pompous, stylised draperies of gilt cloaks and their faces lined with curly hair are idealised. In spite of the gothic stylisation, some figures, mainly the series of crucifixes in Bardejov, Kežmarok, Spišská Nová Ves and Spišské Vlachy, show unusual knowledge of anatomy. These features and ornaments on some of his altars indicate that the art by Master Pavol acquires a renaissance character.

  • Coin description

    Obverse:
    The obverse side of the coin depicts the Virgin Mary from the Nativity Scene in St Jacob’s church in Levoča. In the background is a Gothic arch and ornamental elements from Master Pavol’s workshop. The national emblem of the Slovak Republic is on the right side, and the year 2012 is positioned above it. The country designation SLOVENSKO is along the right edge of the coin. On the left side is the logo of the European Silver Programme, consisting of a European star and a stylized euro sign. Towards the left edge are the stylized letters MP, the initials of the coin’s designer Mária Podaufová, and the mintmark of the Kremnica Mint.

    Reverse:
    The reverse side shows a detail from a sculpture of an apostle in St Jacob’s church in Levoča (from the predella of the main reredos) with a Gothic arch in the background. Towards the left edge there is the inscription MAJSTER PAVOL Z LEVOČE (Master Pavol of Levoča) in two lines. The denomination 10 EURO appears between ornamental elements on the right side.

  • Coin details
    Designer:Mária Poldaufová
    Composition:.900 silver, .100 copper
    Weight:18 g
    Diameter:34 mm
    Edge:● OD GOTIKY K RENESANCII
    (from Gothic to Renaissance)
    Producer:Kremnica Mint
    Engraver:Dalibor Schmidt
    Issuing volume:7,400 coins in brilliant uncirculated quality
    11,870 coins in proof quality
    Issuing date:24 May 2012