Silver Coin €10 Malta 2022 – The Beheading of St John the Baptist

The Beheading of St John the Baptistis a painting by the Italian artist Caravaggio, painted in 1608 in Malta. The only painting currently known to bear his signature. The painting depicts the execution of John the Baptist in the presence of Salome, who prepared a golden dish for his head.

During the restoration work, the author’s signature was found on the painting, which he symbolically placed under a pool of blood of the wounded John, and which immediately became the subject of discussion. Some believe that Caravaggio signed f. Michelang.o (where the f stands for his membership in the brotherhood of the Order), but it is more commonly believed that the signature reads “I, Caravaggio, did this”, implying a confession to a crime – possibly the murder of Ranuccio Tomassoni in 1606, due to which the artist had to flee from Rome.

 

Obverse: An episode of the painting “Beheading of John the Baptist” in relief.

Reverse: coat of arms of Malta.

 

Denomination: 10 euro

Metal: Silver 925

Weight: 31.1g (1oz)

Diameter: 38.61mm

Quality: PROOF

Circulation: 2500

Packing: capsule, box

A certificate of authenticity is included.