Design of five hundred hryvnias bill of the Ukrainian National Republic (avers) 1918

This is the front of a 500 hryvnia bill, designed in 1918 by Heorhiy Narbut. The colors are muted, almost pastel, like they’ve faded over time, or maybe that was the intention. There’s an incredible intricacy in the details, especially within the numerals. Look at the '500' on either side—they're not just numbers; they’re decorative emblems, filled with tiny floral patterns. Those swirling forms of the denominations feel like an invitation to slow down, to really look. Each tiny detail feels like it has its own purpose, a miniature world within the larger design. The overall effect is a balance of folk art with sophisticated design, tradition with modernity, a snapshot of a culture finding its voice. It reminds me a bit of the Vienna Secession, like maybe Koloman Moser would have designed currency! Currency is often a reflection of national identity, and here, it feels like a statement of cultural pride.