Banknote motif: Portrait on George Washington in a decorative panel 1819 - 1837

This is a banknote motif depicting George Washington, created by Asher Brown Durand. Durand was a prominent engraver, and this work shows his mastery of the technique. Engraving is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a surface. In this case, Durand would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate. These lines then hold ink, which is transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you can see the fine network of lines that create the image. The density of the lines determines the tonal value, giving the portrait depth and detail. Engraving was a crucial skill for producing currency, as it allowed for intricate, difficult-to-counterfeit designs. The labor-intensive process also imbued banknotes with a sense of value and security. Durand's expertise in this craft highlights the close relationship between art, commerce, and national identity in the 19th century. It reminds us that even the most utilitarian objects can be testaments to skill, labor, and social context.