Banknote motif: band of lace-like lathe work ornament 1819 - 1847

Editor: We're looking at "Banknote motif: band of lace-like lathe work ornament" made between 1819 and 1847 by Cyrus Durand. It’s a drawing and print made with ink on paper, and currently residing here at the Met. I'm struck by how intricate the design is, especially considering it’s meant for something as utilitarian as a banknote. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Oh, it whisks me away to a time of meticulous craftsmanship and the artistry lurking in everyday objects! You know, before everything became mass-produced, even money had a touch of the handmade. Durand was clearly obsessed with security features – those incredibly fine lines would have been a nightmare to counterfeit. I almost feel like I’m looking through a Victorian kaleidoscope, don't you? Editor: Definitely! It's mesmerizing. Did he use a special machine to create the repetitive patterns? Curator: He did! It’s called a lathe, a kind of engraving machine. And here, the intricate geometric patterns create this sense of depth, almost like looking into another dimension! Imagine the skill involved! But, beyond the technical stuff, what stories do you think it tells us about the 19th century? Editor: I guess it shows a society that valued both decoration and security? A need to embellish even the most practical things... Curator: Exactly! And the fragility of paper money itself is interesting, no? How a symbol of value is so easily destroyed... reminds you to hold value beyond material wealth. Perhaps something abstract. Editor: That's a really interesting way to think about it. I initially saw just a pretty pattern, but it’s clearly more than that. Curator: It is. Art's like that; you peek behind one veil and another reveals itself! It's the peek that matters most!