Banknote France 100 Francs - Cézanne - 1998 - Series N

Remarks:

Plis, épinglages, traces de stockage

The 100 francs Cézanne banknote was issued in 1998 by the Banque de France and belongs to series J. It is one of the last major banknotes issued in French francs before the transition to the euro, and pays tribute to one of the most influential painters in the history of modern art.

The obverse of the banknote is dominated by the portrait of Paul Cézanne, a post-impressionist painter born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839 and who died in 1906. His face, depicted in a realistic manner, is accompanied by elements directly inspired by his pictorial work. Notable references include his famous series of card players as well as his characteristic compositions, blending geometry and warm colours typical of his style.

The reverse of the banknote extends this pictorial tribute by incorporating representations of Mont Sainte-Victoire, Cézanne's favourite subject, which he painted numerous times throughout his career. Elements of still life, a recurring theme in his work, complete the graphic composition on this side of the banknote.

The dominant colours of the banknote are rendered in warm tones, playing on oranges, ochres and greens, recalling the typical chromatic palette of the Provençal painter. The graphic design was created with a concern for artistic coherence between the subject depicted and the aesthetic choices of the banknote itself.

The banknote incorporates several security features specific to Banque de France issues of that era, including a watermark, special-effect inks and microprinting. Its face value is 100 francs. The weight of the banknote is 1 gram, in line with the standards of fiduciary paper banknotes of this generation.