500 Kroner Christie-issue, pattern

Bradbury Wilkinson produced this pattern at the turn of the century for what would become one of the most scrutinized redesign debates in early Norwegian banking. The Christie-issue name refers to a proposed series that never entered circulation — the Norges Bank ultimately rejected it, leaving surviving specimens as printer's proofs rather than issued notes.

Oluf Wold-Torne, better known as a symbolist painter than a banknote designer, was an unusual choice for the commission. His involvement reflects a broader Scandinavian push in this period to recruit fine artists rather than commercial engravers for state currency work.