Illustrations for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill" 1956

Hryhorii Havrylenko created this illustration for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill." It offers a window into Ukrainian rural life, deeply connected to its agricultural roots and rich folklore. This ink drawing depicts an intergenerational connection, a grandfather figure sharing his wisdom with a young child. The beekeeping in the background, a traditional practice in Ukrainian culture, symbolizes labor, community, and the sweet rewards of nature. Havrylenko was born in 1927, and his life experiences would have been shaped by the tumultuous political and social events in Ukraine during the Soviet era. This simple drawing speaks to the transmission of knowledge, traditions, and cultural identity from one generation to the next, even in changing times. It reminds us of the intimate moments of learning and connection that ground us in our heritage.