New
20 Franc Swiss Banknote
In
1993, while still working in Zurich, Switzerland, we were awarded
the commission for the Swiss National Bank, through Joerg Zintzmeyer &
Lux, to contribute a picture for the new 20 Franc Swiss banknote. The
note is in homage to Arthur Honegger (1892-1955), one of the best Swiss
composers of our century, who is portrayed on one side of the bill. The
other side is in honor of his opera "Pacific 231". For this assignment we
traveled to Rouen in France and photographed the legendary locomotive “Pacific
231”. We are proud that our picture has been chosen and is reflected on the 20
Franc Swiss Banknote.
"Pacific
231", A Locomotive In Music Honegger's symphony "Pacific 231" was written to
honor this marvel of engineering. The wheel symbolizes rhythm, power and
motion, while the compressor is a symbol of technology subduing power. Both
these elements refer to the core themes of this composition: acceleration and
deceleration.
