John Jones Artwork Appraisal

The State of Missouri: Farmers Bank of Missouri $1 Confirmed Bill Artwork by John W. Jones

This is a fine art print featuring a juxtaposition of historical currency and original painting by artist John W. Jones. The upper portion displays a vibrant, impressionistic painting depicting enslaved African Americans harvesting corn in a rural field setting. The scene is characterized by rich earthy tones, yellows, and deep purples, showing multiple figures engaged in agricultural labor with a wheelbarrow present. Below the artwork is a reproduction or depiction of an obsolete banknote: a $1 bill from The Farmers Bank of Missouri, likely dating to the mid-19th century (Antebellum era). Jones is renowned for his 'The Color of Money' series, which visualizes the scenes of slavery depicted on historic Confederate and Southern state currency into full-scale paintings. The print appears to be on a light-colored paper stock with 'The State of Missouri' printed as a descriptive title at the bottom. A faint signature of the artist is visible just below the right side of the main painting. The condition shown in the image suggests a modern commemorative or gallery print, appearing clean with no visible tears or heavy foxing, though the photograph itself has some moiré patterns from a digital screen.