Why did beards disappear from princely portraits? Historians observed a concerning trend in the design changes of the hryvnia.

The national currency is not merely a means of payment, but also a significant symbol of statehood, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of the country. In Ukraine, particular attention is given to the depictions of historical figures on the hryvnias, especially the portraits of Kyiv princes. Recently, an intriguing discussion has emerged regarding changes in their appearance, touching upon profound issues of historical memory and national identity.

It’s worth noting that the hryvnia was introduced into circulation in 1996, but its printing began earlier—in 1992 at the Canadian Bank Note Company. The banknotes were produced on special white paper that included monochromatic watermarks in the form of a trident, distributed across the entire surface.

Evolution of Prince Images

Until 2004, Yaroslav the Wise and Vladimir the Great were depicted on the hryvnias exclusively with mustaches, which aligned with historical descriptions of Kyiv princes. However, after 2004, the design of the banknotes underwent changes—both princes were given beards. This sparked mixed reactions within the expert community.

Historical Evidence

Particular attention is drawn to the historical description of Prince Svyatoslav the Brave, left by the Byzantine chronicler Leo the Deacon. According to his accounts, the prince had a distinctive appearance: average height, thick eyebrows, light blue eyes, and—most importantly—mustaches without a beard. This description is supported by images on old coins, where Kyiv princes are also shown without beards.

Cultural Context

Historian Igor Rozdobudko proposes an interesting theory regarding the emergence of beards in the images of Kyiv princes. According to his version, this change may be linked to efforts to emphasize the historical continuity between Kievan Rus and the Moscow state, where a beard was an essential attribute of rulers.

Modern Interpretations

A notable example is the monument to Yaroslav the Wise at the Golden Gates in Kyiv, where the prince is depicted traditionally—without a beard. This indicates that contemporary Ukrainian art maintains a commitment to historically accurate representations.

Significance for National Identity

The discussion surrounding the images on the hryvnias extends far beyond a simple debate over banknote design. It addresses profound issues of national identity, historical memory, and Ukraine's cultural heritage.

The depiction of historical figures on national currency is not only a tribute to the past but also a crucial element in shaping the modern understanding of Ukrainian history. This is why it is important for these images to align with historical truth and national traditions.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported how the names of Ukrainian currency have changed. These are lesser-known facts about the Ukrainian monetary system from the princely era to the early 20th century.