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The Bank of England has released a new £10 note featuring Jane Austen, but the image used is based on a flattering portrait commissioned after her death, rather than the only known likeness created during her lifetime. The note has also been criticised for featuring a quote from a character who has no interest in reading. Jane Austen and Queen Elizabeth II are currently the only women featured on British banknotes.
The Bank of England has unveiled its new £10 note featuring Jane Austen, on the 200th anniversary of the iconic author’s death. Trouble is, the image on the note is based on a flattering portrait Austen’s grandson commissioned after the author’s death at age 41. Compared to the only known likeness Austen created during her lifetime – a sketch drawn by her sister, Cassandra, showing the author with thin lips, a pointed chin and bags under her eyes: the image used for the note gives the author a softer, prettier, more “airbrushed” look. The note also drew criticism for featuring the Pride and Prejudice quote “I declare, after all, that there is no enjoyment like reading!” said by Caroline Bingley, a character who has no interest in reading and only says so to impress Mr. Darcy.
Two women, about money:
“It is deeply ironic that the image chosen by the Bank of England is not her,” said historian Lucy Worsley. “It’s an author’s publicity portrait” which was created after her death.
Jane Austen and Queen Elizabeth II are the only women currently featured on all British banknotes.
The image of social reformer Elizabeth Fry appeared on the reverse of the £5 note until 2016, when she was replaced by Winston Churchill, a move which created much controversy for the Bank of England.
