100 HRYVNIAS

An original 100 hryvnias banknote issued during the period of the Ukrainian People’s Republic between 1917 and 1921 is presented together with a portrait of Pavlo Skoropadskyi — Hetman of the Ukrainian State and one of the defining political figures of early twentieth-century Ukrainian history. The work combines a historical document of the era with a carefully composed presentation centered on themes of independence, statehood, and national identity.

Currency issued by the Ukrainian People’s Republic became a symbol of the attempt to establish an independent Ukrainian financial system following the collapse of the Russian Empire. The design of these early banknotes reflected elements of Ukrainian modernism, decorative ornamentation, and a distinct national visual language. Today, the 100 hryvnias note is regarded not only as a monetary artifact but also as a historical document connected to the political transformations and independence movement of the period.

Pavlo Skoropadskyi, whose portrait forms part of the composition, played a significant role in the state-building processes of 1918. His legacy remains associated with efforts to establish a stable administrative structure as well as the development of education, science, and cultural institutions. The combination of the banknote and portrait creates a cohesive historical image of the Ukrainian Revolution and the early years of Ukrainian statehood.

Presented in a restrained gallery aesthetic, the work was created for a private collection, office interior, or curated historical space. Objects of this kind occupy a distinctive place among historical and numismatic collectibles and naturally function both as collection pieces and as meaningful gifts connected to Ukrainian cultural history.