Banknote motif: the number 20 against an ornamental lathe work oval resembling woven rope

Art Historical Context

This delicate engraving proof, titled *Banknote motif: the number 20 against an ornamental lathe work oval resembling woven rope*, showcases the precision craftsmanship of early 19th-century American printmakers. Created around 1824–42 by A. B. & C. Durand & Company, Durand, Perkins, and Company, or Cyrus Durand—pioneers in secure currency design—the tiny sheet (just 1 5/16 x 1 7/16 inches) features the bold numeral "20" framed by intricate, rope-like patterns produced via lathe work, a mechanical engraving technique using a rose engine to generate hypnotic, repeating motifs. In an era of rampant counterfeiting during America's banking expansion, such motifs were vital anti-forgery devices. The Durands, led by brothers like Cyrus and Asher B. (later a Hudson River School painter), revolutionized banknote security with these geometric intricacies, blending artistry and engineering. This proof, a trial impression before full production, highlights the blend of ornamental beauty and practical innovation in prints. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Joseph Veach Noble, 2002), it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the hidden artistry behind everyday money, reminding us how 19th-century engravers wove security into elegance.

About the Artist

A. B. & C. Durand & Company|Durand, Perkins, and Company|Cyrus Durand (American|American|American) · 1824 |1796 |1787 –1832 |1886 |1868

American, active 1824–32|American, Jefferson, New Jersey 1796–1886 Maplewood, New Jersey|American, 1787–1868