2 Euro Coin Belgium 2020 “Jan van Eyck Year’ Proof in Cassette

The Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (ca. 1390 – 1441)  is without doubt a true innovator. His fine brushstrokes and translucent oil painting techniques led to breathtaking results. The realism, eye for detail and perfection in both composition and colour control astounded many. The high praised court painter to Philip the Good was also one of the firsts to sign his own works, which was unusual at the time.
 
Although little is known about Van Eyck’s life, his works are well known. Only twenty of his paintings were preserved, but all are masterpieces. The legendary altarpiece “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” is known in almost every part of the world and has been on display in the St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent for six centuries. Its recent restoration made the piece even more spectacular.
                                               
The new 2 euro coin by the Royal Mint of Belgium depicts a detailed display of the painting “Portrait of a Man in a Red Turban”. The painting is found in the National Gallery (London) and is considered by many to be Van Eyck’s self-portrait. A palette with paint brushes, the original signature of the master and his name complete the visual composition.