Title: Infanta D. Maria I
Artist: Jacqueline DeMontaigne
Medium: Hand painted Portuguese Bank Note with 24k gold leaf
Edition: Unique
Size: 14.3cmx7cm
Price: £300
The Story Of The Note:
Original 50 escudo bank note featuring Infanta Dona. Maria, Duchess of Viseu. Infanta D. Maria was raised by her paternal aunt, with an education that was astounding for a woman of her time. Maria became a famed humanist and protector of the arts. Her household was made into a female university, where the greatest minds would eventually converge. She was also rumoured to have fallen in love with Portugal's greatest poet, Luís de Camões.
In this original artwork painted on an original bank note, Infanta D. Maria is celebrated with a halo of gold and surrounded by delicate orchids. Orchids are a symbol of love, rare beauty, strength, and wealth.
Banco de Portugal (national bank of Portugal) issued Portuguese Escudo banknotes in 9 different denominations, including this 50 Portuguese Escudos banknote of Infante Dona Maria. The Banco de Portugal started issuing these 50 Portuguese Escudo banknotes in 1968. They were withdrawn from circulation in 1980.
