Even in the early days of stock corporations, securities - in their physical form at the time - were designed by artists. Companies engaged people from the fields of copper and steel engraving, and later also lithographers, to design their shares in a decorative and informative way. These early securities thus not only served as pure financial instruments, but were also advertising media that were intended to artfully represent the company's purpose and strengthen confidence in the company.
Every era has its own attitude to life. Different mentalities, cultural characteristics and symbolism shape the individual style. It is not surprising that this style is reflected in securities, because after all, the economy also shapes the respective zeitgeist. When looking at shares and bonds, it is not only the development of securities design that becomes tangible, but also the achievements of industry and technology that flow into the design.
Some of the most artistically sophisticated share certificates were created around the turn of the century, particularly during the Art Nouveau period. At the time, Art Nouveau artists saw no difference between "high art" and the design of everyday objects. They were active in a variety of fields - painting, architecture, arts and crafts and illustration. In addition to designing metro entrances, jewelry, ceramics, books and advertising posters, they also devoted themselves to securities. This work offers artists a welcome opportunity to earn a living. At the same time, companies use the opportunity to adorn themselves with the names of renowned artists who have often won international awards.
Compagnie Internationale Phonique, stock certificate from 1907, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Compagnie Internationale Phonique
The development of recorded music began at the beginning of the 20th century, when record companies such as the Compagnie Internationale Phonique emerged throughout Europe and America. Appropriately designed in Art Nouveau style by sculptor Paul Poncet.
After the Second World War, the trend towards objectification was reflected in securities design - "corporate design" and "corporate identity" became the buzzwords of the time. With increasing digitalization, the appearance of securities becomes less and less important until they disappear completely in their physical form in the 2000s and are traded purely digitally on the world's stock exchanges. Appropriately referred to as "nonvaleur", the "historical" securities then became coveted collector's items, especially if they were artistically designed.
Compañia Hispano Francesa de Crédito y Obras S.A., stock certificate from 1934, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Compañia Hispano Francesa de Crédito y Obras S.A.
This Spanish financial stock certificate was designed in Art Deco style. The text parts have been integrated into the overall design so that the entire share appears to be a work of art.
La Gravure Françaisee, stock certificate from 1934, Quelle: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
La Gravure Française
The company is owned by Louis Icart. Icart worked in the fashion and design business (Art Deco) throughout his life. At the same time, however, he also worked as an artist and founded the limited company for his artistic activities.
Bergbau-Aktien-Gesellschaft Medio-Rhein zu Duisburg am Rhein, stock certificate from 1858, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Bergbau-Aktien-Gesellschaft Medio-Rhein zu Duisburg am Rhein
Theodor Mintrop, a member of the Düsseldorf School of Painting, was commissioned by the mining company "Medio Rhein" to design their share certificate in 1857, alongside numerous other works and book illustrations.
From 30 August 2024: New exhibition
art.power(s).money
Art goes far beyond mere aesthetics; the art market is an important economic structure that moves around considerable sums of money. Because art powers wealth. Be it as an investment, in a collection or as a museum exhibit, art has an intrinsic and material value, as can be seen by the exorbitant prices some pieces yield. This exhibition aims at casting a light on the various ways in which art and finance are intertwined, including the development of these interrelations – particularly when it comes to paintings. It will show what roles the players on the market are cast in, what parallels there are to the stock market and how art influences the economy and vice versa. But the art market also has a dark side: Compared to the financial market, which is much more regulated, it is more likely to be subject to criticism for tax evasion and money laundering. The exhibition also includes historical securities from players in the art market as well as art on shares.