25 euro - Easter of Resurrection

The 25 euro colour coin issued by the Vatican Mint is dedicated to Easter and features the Resurrection of Christ, an oil on panel painting from 1499 by Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, who died five hundred years ago this year. The painting is kept in the Pope’s private library in the Apostolic Palace. It displays the Risen Christ ascending into heaven, enclosed in an almond-shaped golden light. In his left hand he holds the banner symbolizing the Resurrection while at his sides two angels are praying. Next to the open tomb lie three soldiers asleep while the fourth looks up in amazement at the wonder of the resurrection of Jesus. A wide, sloping landscape provides a backdrop for the scene. The painting is considered one of the finest works by the great Umbrian painter, the teacher of Raphael Sanzio.