FRANCE | A pair of trompe-l'oeil engravings of assignats, c.1797
FRANCE–HUNNIN, JOSEPH ENGRAVER
“PAPIERS MONNOIES ET AUTRES DE LA REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”. [MALINES: J. HUNNIN, C.1797]
A pair of trompe-l'oeil engravings of assignats, hand-coloured, each 540 x 450mm., framed and glazed, some light browning
Assignats were paper money issued during the French Revolution to forestall bankruptcy, backed by the value of property confiscated from the Catholic Church. Originally intended as a bond, the assignat became legal tender in 1790. Their ubiquity and uncontrolled circulation triggered a major hyperinflation crisis.
Such was the decline in value and unpopularity of the currency, that on 19 February 1796, assignats and their printing plates were burned symbolically in the Place Vendôme.
These trompe-l’oeil engravings show various forms of the currency; the second engraving (apparently the rarer of the two) has a picture of a beggar holding out his hat front and centre.
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Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
Please note: Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
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FRANCE–HUNNIN, JOSEPH ENGRAVER
“PAPIERS MONNOIES ET AUTRES DE LA REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”. [MALINES: J. HUNNIN, C.1797]
A pair of trompe-l'oeil engravings of assignats, hand-coloured, each 540 x 450mm., framed and glazed, some light browning
Assignats were paper money issued during the French Revolution to forestall bankruptcy, backed by the value of property confiscated from the Catholic Church. Originally intended as a bond, the assignat became legal tender in 1790. Their ubiquity and uncontrolled circulation triggered a major hyperinflation crisis.
Such was the decline in value and unpopularity of the currency, that on 19 February 1796, assignats and their printing plates were burned symbolically in the Place Vendôme.
These trompe-l’oeil engravings show various forms of the currency; the second engraving (apparently the rarer of the two) has a picture of a beggar holding out his hat front and centre.
To view Shipping Calculator, please click here
Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
Please note: Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
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Time, Location
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