Banknote France 1000 Francs - Deesse Demeter - 05-11-1942 - Serial Y.1857

This French banknote, with a nominal value of 1000 francs, was issued in 1942. It is part of a specific series, identified by the code "Y.1857".

The front of the banknote features a statue of the goddess Demeter, seated and holding the child Hercules on her knees. To the left of this representation, a Provençal landscape is depicted, featuring a shepherd guarding his goats. The inscriptions "BANQUE DE FRANCE" and the value "1000 FRANCS" are also present.

On the back, the statue of Mercury is positioned on the left. Various labors of Hercules are illustrated, including Hercules mastering Cerberus and offering Minerva the golden apples from the Hesperides garden. Another scene shows Deianira taking Atlas's place to support the world. In the background, the port and city of Rouen are depicted.

The banknote's watermark depicts the head of Hermes by Praxiteles, seen in three-quarters.

The banknote's dimensions are 190 mm in length and 115 mm in width.

The engravers of this banknote are Georges Hourriez and Marguerite Dreyfus (Rita), while the designer is Lucien Hector Jonas.

An inscription mentions Article 139 of the Penal Code, which punishes with forced labor those who counterfeit or falsify banknotes authorized by law, as well as those who use such counterfeit or falsified banknotes.