Monday, November 13, 2023

Belgian notes pre euro 02b - series 1978

500 bef

The second banknote in the 1978-1992 series of belgian notes, depicts Constantin Meunier.
Meunier started his carreer as painter. At first his mayor topics were religious paintings and drawings.
When he was asked to make some illustrations of the life and work of the labourers in and around the belgian coal mines.
He was quite impressed by the hard work of the workers, in such a way that his art became more realistic. The upcoming social movement, to improve the life of the many workers at the end of the 19th century, brought him back to making sculptures. 

the 'miner' by C. Meunier

On the 500 bef-note, now with French on the front side, and Dutch on the reverse side, we see Constantin Meunier with the mine conveyor tower in his back.
The note exists, just like the 100 bef - note, with 2 different sets of signatures.

500 bef - Meunier - 1978

At the back side of the note, 5 circular ornaments are depicted.

reverse side of 500 bef - 1978

In 1957, a stamp of 3 bef was issued, with Constantin Meunier and Constant Permeke next to each other.
Permeke was the painter on the later 1000 bef note, see : http://rainbowstampsandcoins.blogspot.com/2021/01/belgian-notes-pre-euro-01d-series-1994.html .

1957 - Meunier and Permeke

to be continued...

No comments: