Design of hundred hryvnias bill 1918

This is Heorhiy Narbut's design for the hundred-hryvnia bill, created in 1918. It emerged during a pivotal moment when Ukraine was briefly independent. Narbut’s bill is a fascinating blend of tradition and nationhood. Look at the figures he includes: a male blacksmith, and a female, likely a peasant, carrying wheat. They are framed by an elaborate wreath of fruits and flowers, symbolizing Ukrainian bounty. These figures aren't just decorative; they represent the working class as the backbone of the newly formed Ukrainian People's Republic. The choice to depict both a man and a woman engaged in labor speaks volumes. It challenges conventional gender roles, suggesting an egalitarian vision for Ukraine. Narbut tragically died young, just two years after completing this work. Consider how this design served as a statement of cultural identity. The hundred-hryvnia bill is more than just currency; it's a carefully constructed emblem of a nation finding its footing.