The extraordinary gold medal of the Czech Mint weighing two troy ounces pays tribute to Jan Saudek and his painting entitled Marie No. 1.

Jan Saudek's work is a controversial and provocative celebration of humanity. It is sensual, animalistic, erotic, even perverse, and its most frequent subject is womanhood - whether it is the female body, which can take on all shapes and sizes, or the relationship between a woman and a man, which is full of love and hate. Although Jan Saudek is renowned as a world-famous photographer, he is also an acclaimed painter. The paintings he creates are often inspired by his photographs, and the painting Marie No. 1 is no exception. The artist's first lithographic work, created in 2020, is based on an iconic photograph from 1974 and presents deep red lips wetted with blue droplets of water. In the original handwriting of the painting, one can see a distant affinity with the style of Jan's brother Karel, but otherwise it is a completely original and unmistakable work with a strong charge. Its realism and spatiality directly invite to a relief treatment in the form of a commemorative medal...

The author of the medal is Vojtěch Dostál, DiS., who was personally chosen by Jan Saudek in the art competition. The obverse side is a relief reconstruction of the image of Mary No. 1. The reverse side presents Jan Saudek's signature in an unusual reverse proof quality.

The original graphic sheet is an integral part of the gold medal which is issued in an edition of only 100 numbered pieces.