Banknote motif: a child's portrait and two patterned ovals surrounded by a floral frame 1819 - 1837

This 19th-century engraving by American artist Asher Brown Durand (1796-1886) is an example of a banknote motif, featuring a delicate portrait of a child. The image is surrounded by an intricate floral frame and two patterned ovals, characteristic of decorative engravings of the period. Durand was known for his landscape paintings, but his work also included engravings and illustrations. This piece is a testament to his mastery of detail and the beauty of the human form. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this piece, and its small dimensions (3 1/8 x 1 7/16 in. or 8 x 3.7 cm) suggest its intended use as a small decorative element, perhaps for a personal collection or a banknote.