Details
5-Dollars, "Educational" Series of 1896 - but engraved "1895" (cf. Fr. 268-70; see Hessler p. 115), face essay on india paper, a couple of toning spots, otherwise crisp and choice and apparently unknown to Hessler, the design, "Electricity", was by Walter Shirlaw - a group of his original studies for this note are also included in this sale, see lot 221
Further details
When this note first circulated some considered the central figure of Electricity as lewd. An essay was prepared, dated 1897, and the central figure had a suggestion of more clothing, but the altered design was never issued for regular use.
Walter Shirlaw (1838-1908) was born in Paisley, Scotland. Along with Blashfield and other muralists, he decorated buildings at the World's Columbian Exposition. Shirlaw helped to establish the Chicago Institute of Art; a self-portrait is there. He was the first president of the Society of American Artists.
Walter Shirlaw (1838-1908) was born in Paisley, Scotland. Along with Blashfield and other muralists, he decorated buildings at the World's Columbian Exposition. Shirlaw helped to establish the Chicago Institute of Art; a self-portrait is there. He was the first president of the Society of American Artists.