Billet de 20 francs-- Debussy

Billet de 20 francs Debussy
Ashley Lo
The bill I received was created by the Bank of France in 1980. It came into circulation in October 1981 and, as
the Franc currency was replaced by Euros in 2002, it too went out of circulation.  Created by the painter
Marcel Baschet, , this note depicts a portrait of Claude Debussy, famous French composer, with a turbulent
scenery of the sea in the background that echos with Debussy’s “La Mer.”

Debussy was one of the most prominent Impressionist composers. He was made “Chevalier of the Legion of
Honor” in 1903 . Some of Debussy’s most famous works include “Clair De Lune,” “Reflets dans l’eau” and
“Arabesque No.1.”  In reality, Debussy indulged in luxurious life and often spent more than he earned,   It’s
quite interesting that, Debussy, who was at one point over 42,000 Francs in debt to Durand, his publisher, then
becomes the face of money more than six decades after his life.


I personally love that the French put artists, composers and philosophers on their notes rather than major
political figures. Given the close associations between politics and economics, it only seems right that those in
power claim the face of money and wealth. Yet, artists and philosophers, who often live impoverished lives,
are powerful not because they’re rich. Their immense influence and longevity come from the beauty and
strength of their artistic talents and ideas. In comparison to their art, their appearance on cold cash only seems
too insignificant.

In addition, the I found the purplish/pinkish hue of this bill very charming; in my head, a lot of the notes are
either green or red-- colors that are louder than this rather timid shade.



References:
Franks, Rebecca. “15 Penniless Composers.” Classical-Music.com, 14 Sept. 2014, www.classical-
music.com/article/15-penniless-composers.

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