Dollar Bill Beneath Pane of Glass
Charles Meurer
"Dollar Bill Beneath Pane of Glass," is a dark, rectangular picture that shows a pane of yellowed glass placed over a dollar bill. The glass has a cracked opening over a section of the bill, which entices the viewer to reach across and attempt to lift the money out of the break. The picture has a highly reflective surface which has been varnished to imitate the glare of glass. In some ways this bravado varnishing detracts from the intended realist experience, as the contrast between the opening and the glass surface is not as high as would be desirable. However, it is a highly readable composition that invites contemplation on its possible allegorical meanings. It may be a meditation on greed and temptation or the arbitrary worth of government-issued currency.
Artist
Date of Birth
(1865-1955)
Date
1908
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
9 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. (24.13 x 29.845 cm.)
Accession #
2006.10.7
Credit Line
The Donald and Jean I. Stralem Collection, Bequest of Jean I. Stralem
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Category
Subject