Andrew Jackson’s identity, for better or worse, is engrained in the public’s mind, and removing his image from the $20 bill is unlikely to impact his reputation, says a University of Alabama art history professor who authored a book manuscript on the identity created by portraits of the nation’s seventh president.
Dr. Rachel Stephens, a UA assistant professor of art history, says she believes the movement to replace Jackson by the Women on 20s Campaign is apt to gain momentum once a specific woman is put forward as a potential replacement. More than 150,000 people have voted on 15 potential replacement candidates put forth on the group’s website.
“Jackson's likeness by Thomas Sully has appeared on the $20 note since 1928,” Stephens said. “As I argue in my research, artists helped cement that legacy during Jackson's lifetime, and his image on the bill continues this.
“Personally, I would support replacing his image on the $20 bill with a woman who has made a contribution to American History, who might not already have a created visual identity.
“My concern is that the movement that supports replacing his image seems to need a clearer message and well-articulated justification. A specific woman should be selected and rallied behind, I believe.
“Jackson's image certainly speaks to the complicated history of our country, but selecting a female would align more with the direction many people in our country hope the issue of gender equality continues to trudge toward.”
Stephens’ completed book manuscript is titled “Selling Andrew Jackson: Ralph E. W. Earl and the Politics of Portraiture.” It investigates the created identity of portraits of Jackson by his confidante and personal artist, Earl.
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