Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 10 Kwacha 2007, Malawi, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova, The Three Graces
  • 10 Kwacha 2007, Malawi, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova, The Three Graces
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 the Three Graces with a focus on Aglaea's face, the flag of Italy below, the inscription in Italian of the occasion and his birth date between middle left, and his name with dates year of birth and year of issue above.

Antonio Canova's Three Graces is a celebrated neoclassical sculpture that epitomizes grace, beauty, and harmony. Created between 1814 and 1817, the marble masterpiece portrays the three mythological Charites — daughters of Zeus, known as Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thalia — who represent beauty, charm, and joy. Canova skillfully rendered their intertwined figures with delicate details, capturing the soft elegance of their forms and the fluidity of their movements. The sculpture embodies the ideals of neoclassicism, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity while highlighting Canova's mastery in depicting the human body with realism and idealized beauty. It remains one of his most admired works and a symbol of timeless elegance in Western art.

ANTONIO CANOVA 1757-2007
250 anni
della nascita

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

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250th Anniversary of Birth of Antonio Canova

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 23.5 g, ⌀ 39 mm