Norges Bank

Press release

Commemorative coin in 2019 to feature the motif “At work”

In 2019, Norges Bank will issue a special edition 20-krone circulation coin to mark the sesquicentenary of the birth of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The artist Håkon Anton Fagerås won the competition to design the sesquicentenary motif.

Norges Bank invited five artists to a competition to design the sesquicentenary motif on the coin's reverse side. The winner was Håkon Anton Fagerås, with the motif "At Work" (see attached photo).

The motif shows Vigeland by his modelling stand as he contemplates his work The Foetus (now in the Vigeland Sculpture Park). In its assessment, the jury writes:

"A finely tuned composition, with the sculptor's gaze directed at his work. Together with the direction of Vigeland's gaze, this tableau forms a triangle that binds the artist and his work. [...] The slightly rough modelling clearly denotes a work in progress. The artist has successfully captured the thought processes underlying Vigeland's extensive oeuvre."

Minor adjustments will be made to the motif before the coin goes into production. As with previous issues, the obverse will be a portrait of the King.

A number of events are planned throughout 2019, including a major sesquicentenary exhibition at the Vigeland Museum and a nationwide travelling exhibition in collaboration with the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.

The coin's date of issue will be set at a later time.

Contact:

Press telephone: +47 21 49 09 30
Email: presse@norges-bank.no

Published 28 September 2018 10:00
Published 28 September 2018 10:00