Asignaat van 10 sous, 1793 1793

Editor: This is an "Assignat de dix sous, 1793" made with print and engraving. It has such a stark, almost severe aesthetic, with the formal typography and neoclassical imagery. What story does it tell? Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? These assignats were essentially paper money issued by the French revolutionary government. Looking at it, we see not just currency, but a snapshot of a society in turmoil, attempting to redefine itself. Notice the phrase "domaines nationaux"—this currency is backed by the seized lands of the church and aristocracy. Editor: So it's a symbol of revolution? The redistribution of wealth? Curator: Exactly! It is a potent symbol of that radical shift in power. The neoclassical imagery, like the figures and the architectural details, connect it to the ideals of the Republic, of virtue and reason, and create an aura of legitimacy around this new financial instrument. Editor: I see that there's also the phrase "La loi punit de mort le contrefacteur" – “The law punishes counterfeiting with death” which is, frankly, terrifying! Curator: The phrase does strike a sharp note! But remember the chaos and economic instability of the period. Counterfeiting would have been a direct attack on the revolution itself, a challenge to the new order and its promise of a more just society. What does it tell you about the state’s role in securing these rights? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. So, it's not just about money, but about power, legitimacy, and the very real anxieties of a society undergoing radical transformation. It really encourages reflection on the revolution. Curator: Precisely. It is an artefact loaded with political, economic, and social meaning, revealing how art and everyday objects intertwine with revolutionary movements.