Banknote vignette showing three men on a scaffold laying a brick wall 1819 - 1837

Editor: This is a banknote vignette created between 1819 and 1837 by Asher Brown Durand, housed at the Met. It depicts three men building a brick wall on scaffolding. The print feels very matter-of-fact, almost like a snapshot of everyday life. How would you interpret this work in its historical context? Curator: It’s fascinating to see such a mundane scene immortalized in what was meant to be a symbol of financial security. Consider that this was a period of immense industrial expansion in the United States. The image, while seemingly just “everyday life,” becomes a powerful statement about the value of labor in a rapidly changing society. What kind of message do you think that sends to the public holding this currency? Editor: I guess it subtly elevates the working class, or at least, it portrays them as fundamental to society's progress. It is interesting it focuses on them, instead of romanticizing political figures. Did the artist have political motivations? Curator: Durand, like many artists of the era, was grappling with questions of national identity and social values. Think about the growing divide between agrarian and industrial societies, and how images like these participated in a broader conversation about who gets to represent “America.” Editor: So the banknote isn't just money, but a political object subtly promoting these ideals? That's so different than how I initially perceived it! It's easy to forget how deliberately images are selected. Curator: Precisely. These vignettes offer insights into the cultural values a society wishes to project, even on its currency. I think understanding the social forces is necessary to unveil this vignette’s purpose. Editor: Thanks for showing me a different point of view! Now, when I see a seemingly neutral image, I will remember it always operates under political context. Curator: Indeed! Approaching art with these tools provides deeper appreciation to it.