Title: Queen Regnant Maria II of Portugal II
Artist: Jacqueline De Montaigne
Medium: Hand painted Portuguese Bank Note with 24k gold leaf
Edition: Unique
Size: 16.5cm x 8.2cm
Price: £350
The Story Of The Note:
D Maria II of Portugal, nicknamed the educator and the good mother, was the eldest daughter of
Prince Dom Pedro de Alcântara, the future king of Portugal. She was titled Princess of Beira upon her birth and was the only European monarch to be born outside of Europe (Brazil). Queen Maria was deeply connected to the founding of the Bank of Portugal and she was featured on the 1000 escudo bank note which depicts violets on both of its sides that has been the original inspiration to paint flowers on this bank note series.
On this original art work painted on an original bank note, Queen Regnant Maria II is celebrated with a halo of gold and surrounded by violets Violets are a symbol of modesty and in religious art they symbolise the virgin Mary. The violet also represents spiritual wisdom, faithfulness and humility.
The Banco de Portugal (national bank of Portugal) issued Portuguese Escudo banknotes in 9 different denominations, including this 1000 Portuguese Escudos banknote (Maria II). They are part of the demonetized Portuguese Escudo banknotes series. The Banco de Portugal started issuing these 1000 Portuguese Escudo banknotes in 1967. They were withdrawn from circulation in 1969.
