20 francs - Jean Tinguely

Jean Tinguely (1925–1991) was a Swiss artist known for his kinetic sculptures and poetic machines. Born in Fribourg, he left a significant mark on the art world with his playful and critical approach, creating from recycled materials moving works that combine sound, mechanics, and aesthetics. His iconic creations, along with his collaborations with other artists like Niki de Saint Phalle, established him as a key figure in contemporary art. The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth, and his artistic legacy will be celebrated throughout the year. The special silver coin pays tribute to one of the most influential Swiss artists of the 20th century. For Tinguely, the machine was much more than a simple mechanical object: it embodied humour, poetry and the perpetual motion of life. His works, oscillating between wisdom and madness, continue to inspire contemporary art. The obverse of the coin highlights a part of Heureka, the iconic sculpture created for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition in Lausanne and now installed in Zurich. This work, composed of interlocking wheels and mechanisms, perfectly illustrates Tinguely's vision of breaking the codes of traditional art by integrating new materials. The name “Jean Tinguely” appears in a collage style on the upper part, a nod to one of his favourite artistic techniques. The year of birth 1925 is highlighted, emphasising the artist's 100th birthday in 2025. The reverse features a frontal portrait of Jean Tinguely, drawn using lines that delineate the contours of his face. This graphic treatment is reminiscent of his artistic universe, where lines, shapes and mechanical structures come together to give rise to works in perpetual motion.