Vilhelms Purvītis (1872–1945) ranks among the most remarkable painters representing the period from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, and he was among the most prominent founders of the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Art Academy of Latvia.
Vilhelms Purvītis can also be considered a diplomat of Latvian art: his name already crossed Latvia's borders during his lifetime, his works were collected and awarded prizes at foreign exhibitions, and he himself was active in organising Latvian art exhibitions in European cities.
The collector coin has been issued in the year that Latvia celebrates the artist's 150th birthday by organising a range of events. To mark the occasion, the Latvian National Museum of Art is also launching an exhibition entitled "PURVĪTIS" on May 28.
The author of the graphic design of the coin "Vilhelms Purvītis" is Frančeska Kirke. The coin created by the artist interprets elements of the painting "Winter" by Purvītis.
Starting from 12.00 (noon) on 25 May, the new coin will be on sale online via www.e-monetas.lv, Latvijas Banka's website for purchasing numismatic products. The price of the coin is 65.00 euro; the purchase limit for one buyer – 2 coins. The mintage of the coin is 4000. The coin has been struck by Lietuvos monetų kalykla, Lithuania.
