Billet France 100 francs Paul Cézanne 1997 VF

The 100 francs Cézanne banknote was issued in 1997 by the Banque de France and belongs to series R. It is one of the last large-format French banknotes before the introduction of the euro, bearing witness to a pivotal period in French monetary history.

This banknote pays tribute to the post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), a native of Aix-en-Provence, whose work profoundly influenced modern art and in particular Cubism. His portrait is prominently featured on the note, accompanied by visual references directly inspired by his pictorial world, including characteristic elements of his favourite region, Provence, and his iconic artistic output.

The graphic design of the note incorporates reproductions of the painter's works as well as representations of Mont Sainte-Victoire, a favourite subject that Cézanne depicted on numerous occasions throughout his career. The dominant tones of the note revolve around warm hues, echoing the southern palette so dear to the artist.

Like all French banknotes of that era, this 100 francs note features several security elements specific to the Banque de France's manufacturing standards, including watermarks, security threads and intaglio printing that give it a characteristic relief to the touch. The face value of 100 francs is clearly indicated on both sides of the note.

This banknote was put into circulation as part of the Banque de France's policy of promoting French cultural and artistic heritage through its denominations. Series R makes it possible to precisely identify the issue group to which this example belongs, useful information for collectors and specialists seeking to establish the chronology and relative rarity of each series produced.

 

 

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