Cover of magazine 'Our past' 1918

This is the cover of magazine 'Our Past' designed in 1918 by Heorhiy Narbut. The commanding figure of the Kozak, with his rifle and ornate attire, immediately draws us into Ukraine's historical narrative. The Kozak, here, transcends mere representation, embodying the spirit of Ukrainian identity and its long history of struggle for autonomy. But consider the rifle – a tool of defense and assertion. It echos the classical motif of the armed goddess, Athena, a symbol of wisdom and strategic warfare. In Athena, as in the Kozak, we see the fusion of intellect and might. The image, therefore, speaks to a deeper psychological need: the yearning for a protector, a figure who embodies strength and vigilance. Moreover, the grouping of religious icons—the Eastern Orthodox cross, the menorah, and the star and crescent—symbolizes a confluence of cultural influences. Such symbols carry immense cultural weight, evoking a sense of collective memory and shared identity that continues to resonate. The image transcends its original context, resurfacing in contemporary struggles as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring quest for identity.