The silver coin of the Czech National Bank with a nominal value of 200 CZK, which boasts top-quality proof, commemorates the 350th anniversary of the death of painter Karel Škréta.

Although Karel Škréta's father died when he was only three years old, his adolescence was happy. His enlightened uncles ensured his quality education and encouraged his undeniable artistic talent. He was trained to become a painter by a master at the royal court, only to be persecuted by his Protestant family at the Battle of White Mountain. At the age of eighteen, Škréta had to go abroad. Fortunately, a whole new world opened up for him in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He stayed in the most important artistic centres of the 17th century - he fell in love with Venice in particular - and became thoroughly acquainted with the best that the emerging Baroque had to offer. Škréta adopted the new style, which was characterised by a return to Christian motifs or plump shapes and dynamic figures, with great sovereignty. When he returned home after ten years in exile, it quickly became clear that he was not only a gifted painter, but also a determined opportunist. He pragmatically converted to the Catholic faith and declared his stay in exile a journey of study. As a result, he quickly succeeded in restitution disputes and became a wealthy and respected man. He soon became one of the most sought-after artists of his time. He brought to Gothic Prague a new style, ornate and powerful, which underlined the position of the new lords of the Bohemian land - the Habsburgs and the Catholic Church. He painted altarpieces, participated in the decoration of churches and monasteries, portrayed nobles, clergy and townspeople. He illuminated the gloomy surroundings with the glitter of progressive Italy, but at the same time developed his own intensely personal style. He is rightly hailed today as the founder of the Czech Baroque…

The design of the commemorative coin was based on the artwork by the academic sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů. The expert committee of the Czech National Bank appreciated especially "the quality portrait of Karel Škréta and the detailed rendering of the image of the Holy Family with the motif of the three saints St. Barbara, St. Catherine and St. Dorothy."

All Czech coins - both commemorative and circulation - are produced at the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou.