2 Euro "Gian Lorenzo Bernini"

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, born in 1598, was a versatile artist who worked as a sculptor, architect, painter, set designer, playwright and sketcher. He carried out his brilliant artistic activity in Rome, where he was appointed architect of Saint Peter's Basilica. His extraordinary versatility was unique, and he considered the three arts of architecture, sculpture and painting as a single form of expression. He became one of the greatest artists of the Baroque era, and he influenced European art for over a century. The obverse of the 2 euro commemorative coin, minted by San Marino on the occasion of the 420° anniversary of Bernini's birth, portrays the famous marble statue “Bust of Costanza Bonarelli", which is displayed at the National Museum of Bargello in Florence. It is one of the most beautiful and significant artworks of the Baroque era: the vitality of the woman is engraved into marble, and her captivating gaze fascinates viewers.