Design of two thousand hryvnias bill of the Ukrainian National Republic (avers) 1918

This is the front of a two thousand hryvnia bill for the Ukrainian National Republic, designed by Heorhiy Narbut. The design is really ornate, with intricate patterns in coral red against a muted green background. It feels like a painting that had to be precise, where every line and detail mattered. I can imagine Narbut, hunched over his drawing board, carefully inking each tiny detail. There’s a delicate balance between functionality and artistry. It's like a dance between the need for security features and the desire to create something beautiful. The lettering too is just incredible. I'm reminded of my own work, where I play with layers and colors, trying to find that sweet spot where intention meets accident. The way Narbut uses repetition and symmetry makes me think about the work of other currency designers, and how they all try to balance aesthetics with practicality. We artists are always riffing off each other, even across time and place, isn't it great?