From the mid-1950s onwards, the Banque de France gradually abandoned allegorical images on its banknotes in favour of portraits of great figures celebrating national history. These 26 figures – 25 men and one woman – came to be referred to as a “paper pantheon” and had the honour of appearing in everyone's pockets. Banknotes became an original and universal vehicle for disseminating national culture.
French banknotes first featured a historical figure in 1917, with the depiction of Pierre Terrail, the Chevalier Bayard who fought alongside Francis I at Marignan in 1515. However, it was only in 1954, with the issuance of the 1953-type “Victor Hugo” 500 franc note, that great national figures began to feature systematically, in the form of a portrait set against a monument relating to their history.
This 1955-type “Bonaparte” 10,000-franc note, designed by Clément Serveau (a pupil of Luc-Olivier Merson), was inspired by David’s unfinished portrait The General Bonaparte. Napoleon is depicted next to the Arc de Triomphe, which he ordered built to mark his victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. On the reverse, Napoleon appears again, this time alongside the Dôme des Invalides where his remains were laid to rest.
The privilege of choosing who to feature on French banknotes fell exclusively to the Banque de France. Nothing was left to chance: figures had to be selected by consensus and form an important part of the nation’s collective memory. As a result, French banknotes have featured illustrious figures such as Voltaire, Blaise Pascal, Montesquieu and Victor Hugo.
On this 10,000-franc note, the Banque de France chose to honour its founder.
Updated on the 29th of August 2025