Paper, Gold and Art as Representation and Exchange

Abstract

The author, Marc Shell, draws from his recent book, Art & Money, to discuss the American gold standard and more abstract paper money issues. He considers thus the link between economic and visual representation and exchange. Representation — what is represented and what it stands for — is at the heart of money. Or so it appears. Representation easily slides over into issues of authenticity and the character of the unique or genuine as portrayed by the artist’s signature and the sovereign’s sign — potentially conflicting makers of aestheic and politcal authority that taken together suggest an always precarious conflict.