Commerce and Another Allegorical Figure (Motif for Bank Note Design)
Medium
numismatics
Classification
numismatics
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Walter Shirlaw
Accession Number
1912-16-70
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Commerce and Another Allegorical Figure (Motif for Bank Note Design)** *Walter Shirlaw, American (b. Scotland), ca. 1895* *Numismatics, Smithsonian American Art Museum; Gift of Mrs. Walter Shirlaw* Created around 1895 by Scottish-born American artist Walter Shirlaw (1838–1909), this numismatic design captures the era's fascination with allegory in public art. Shirlaw, known for his illustrative prowess, crafted "Commerce and Another Allegorical Figure" as a motif intended for bank notes—a time when U.S. currency designs often featured symbolic figures to evoke national pride, economic v...