Design for the bill of 50 crowns 1911

This design for a 50 crown bill, by Koloman Moser, likely made with pencil and watercolour, has such a ghostly, ethereal feel. It’s almost like a dream of money, rather than the thing itself. The limited palette of blues gives it a cool, calming vibe, like a delft tile or an old photograph. Look closely, and you can see how Moser built up the image with delicate layers of wash, letting the paper breathe through. The face of the woman is so gently rendered, with soft shading. The geometric patterns create a kind of rhythmic backdrop, all circles and ovals, broken up with crosses, shamrocks, and the number 50. Everything feels hand-made, personal, and totally removed from the idea of mass production. I’m reminded of the work of Gustav Klimt, who Moser collaborated with - there’s a similar sense of beauty and ornament, although Moser brings his own brand of understated elegance. It feels like such a leap of faith that these images were considered suitable for a banknote!