Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 10 Kwacha 2007, KM# 191, Malawi, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova, Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss
  • 10 Kwacha 2007, KM# 191, Malawi, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova, Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss
Description

Antonio Canova (1757–1822) was an Italian Neoclassical sculptor, famous for his marble sculptures. Often regarded as the greatest of the Neoclassical artists, his sculpture was inspired by the Baroque and the classical revival and has been characterised as having avoided the melodramatics of the former, and the cold artificiality of the latter.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above, and denomination below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
20 07
UNITY AND FREEDOM
10 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts a multicolored sculpture of Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss with a focus on Cupid's face, the flag of Italy below, the inscription in Italian of the occasion and his birth date between the middle left, and his name with dates of year of birth and year of issue above.

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss is one of Antonio Canova's most famous neoclassical sculptures, created between 1787 and 1793. The marble masterpiece captures the tender moment from Greek mythology when Cupid revives the lifeless Psyche with a kiss, symbolizing the triumph of love over death. Canova masterfully conveys both emotional intensity and physical delicacy, with the figures of Cupid and Psyche intertwined in a graceful composition. The intricate detailing of their bodies, the flowing drapery, and the tender expression of love and vulnerability showcase Canova's skill in bringing mythological subjects to life with elegance and sensuality. The sculpture is celebrated for its beauty, emotional depth, and technical perfection.

ANTONIO CANOVA 1757-2007
250 anni
della nascita

Edge

10 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 191
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 23.5 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Republic, The Three Graces

250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 23.5 g, ⌀ 39 mm