Otis Kaye
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Otis Kaye (1885–1974) born in Neemah, Michigan, was an American artist during the early 20th century. He was known for trompe l'oeil paintings of U.S. currency, similar to the work of William Harnett before him. He incorporated the currency with other elements and gave the resulting collages whimsical titles. For example, "Money to Burn" shows several banknotes, appropriately scorched along the edges.
Kaye also created several pen-and-ink drawings of currency that were designed in every way to look as realistic as possible, with the exception of being drawn only on one side. The color, size, and design were exact to within a degree of penmanship. Fearing government prosecution for counterfeiting, he kept these hidden and the works were only discovered after his death. This sort of money art is comparable to the artwork of JSG Boggs, and also the counterfeiting of Emanuel Ninger.
