Does anyone know the official name for this style of artwork? I think it was popularized in the late 1800's to early 1900's. I really like this style of artwork, but have no idea what to search on. I dont think it's called Victorian Style, and its a bit too old for Art Deco.
What you have there is a Educational Note . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_Series Here's one for sale . http://www.usrarecurrency.com/1896$5SilverCertificateFR268EducationalSn7423707.htm
As previously stated: It's an educational note and the style is art nouveau. The bill you posted is Series 1896 and that settles it.
ahh ... I think that's close. I googled Art Nouveau and it seems ballpark. It kind of reminds me of Maxfield Parish. (right, I know it's an educational bill from 1896, but was curious what that STYLE of artwork was called -- in a broad general sense)
Neoclassical was more of a Greek influence in art with a time frame of 1660-1798, otherwise known as "The Long Century". Art Deco period was from 1920-1930. Art Nouveau was 1890-1910 and the series on this bill is 1896. Art Nouveau is the only logical answer.
This was done during the Nouveau period, but I don't think it really falls into that style, though it may have been influenced. The engraved work done at the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, as well as American Bank Note Co., really can only be categorized as "banknote art." The 1896 Educational series is probably the ultimate in U.S. banknote art. If you want to see a banknote that truly is in the Art Nouveau style, look at the vignette by Alphonse Mucha on this 1920 Czechoslovakian 100 korun note. The design is much more stylized with the typical nouveau motifs.
Huge fan of Mucha style on notes, having a run of getting I think the four (??) Czech notes that show his artwork. I've got the 50 Korun note, the 100 is on my hunt list. That's about the grade I'd go for right there...
Though contemporaneous with art nouveau, that is not the correct style for the OP note. The Mucha note is archetypally art nouveau. Nor is it neoclassical. It contains classical themes, but it doesn't have the restraint and order typical of neoclassical art. Instead, it's most in line with academic art of the 19th century. This style originated at the École des Beaux-Arts and was popular throughout europe and the united states. Here are some good essays on the topic: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/sara/hd_sara.htm http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/academic-art.htm http://www.howtotalkaboutarthistory...9th-century-exactly-impressionists-rebelling/
