Te Utrecht ongeldig gemaakte assignat van vijftig livres, serie 616, nr. 291 uitgegeven 14 december 1792 Possibly 1792 - 1793

This artwork by Nicolas Marie Gatteaux is a counterfeit 50-livre assignat from the French Revolution. The engraving depicts a seated figure, likely representing Justice, with the word "FAUX" prominently displayed, signifying its invalidity. Gatteaux, a prolific engraver, created numerous works during his career, including portraits and other historical pieces. This specific artwork provides a glimpse into the tumultuous financial landscape of revolutionary France, where counterfeiting was rampant. The assignat, introduced as a form of paper money, was intended to address the financial crisis of the monarchy, but its value quickly depreciated due to excessive issuance and widespread forgery.