It took ten years of learning for Madden to get where he is now. One of the projects was to stage an engraved portrait of President Obama.
"Fortunately, he was pleased with the likeness," said Madden.
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Banknote burning an art form . careful, barely changed in 0 years All work is done by hand to the size of the print, there is no photographic or computer shortcuts lines and dots on a dollar bill are. etched engraving on a steel plate. Each microscopic line must often be re-entered by the cutter several times.
the artists learn the vocabulary of online: the "main line", "crossline" and "interdot" that add to you a sound that may suggest a curve in a cheek, a loop in a strand of hair or a sheet pile in a tree
"It is the most difficult time and a graphic process in the world," says Madden.
There is often a tug of war between security and art. Currency should be protected from counterfeiting, of course. Between 60% and 75% of the money that is printed abroad ended, and a significant percentage of the currency of the United States abroad is not genuine.
But money also has to look good, too.
Most collectors agree that US ticket engraving reached its highest art of "educational series" in 1896. In those days, notable academic artists such as Asher B. Durand, Walter Shirlaw and Kenyon Cox contributed their talents to make good money.
"The admiration for artists such as Mucha and Durand is deep among my colleagues," said Madden.
What traits make a good banknote engraver? Madden said he must draw well, they have to work in a disciplined manner, and they must recognize that they do not have ownership over their work.
to satisfy his own artistic itch, Madden is a dedicated full -air painter in his spare time.
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photo Madden on the site CCAD
Christopher Madden
Educational Series 1896
