Victor Dubreuil


Victor Dubreuil was a French–American artist known for his trompe l'oeil paintings of money.

Personal life

Dubreuil was born on 8 November 1842, at Ayron, near Poitiers, France. He married Virginie Lenoir in 1878. Dubreuil immigrated to the United States, arriving June 6, 1882. He became a naturalized United States citizen June 5, 1888.

Career

After joining the army and fighting in the Second Franco-Mexican and Franco-Prussian wars, Dubreuil moved to Paris and worked as a bank director.
He became a socialist agitator, founded both a newspaper and an African development company, then absconded having been charged with stealing half a million francs. He emigrated to the United States of America in 1882.
Once in the United States, he taught himself to paint, specializing in very realistic depictions of money.
From 1887 to 1889, Dubreuil had a studio at 196 7th Avenue, and from 1895 to 1896, he was painting at 110 West 44th Street in Manhattan. He has been described as having painted in the Hartnett School.

Works

American Paper CurrencyBarrels of MoneyThe Cross of GoldFresh PeanutsGrover ClevelandMoney to BurnNapoleon Commanding a View of the PrisonersOne Dollar Silver CertificateTronpe L'Oeil Still Life with Dollar Bill and FlySafe Money Take One, oil on canvass