Don’t judge her by her serious look. Julija, also known as Žemaitė, was a free spirit who didn’t care about societal norms and loved to dance. She started writing stories at 50, becoming a key figure in Lithuania’s culture and politics, particularly advocating for the rights of peasant women. Julija also participated in the first Lithuanian Women’s Congress in 1907, where she addressed the challenges faced by underprivileged women. Fun fact: Žemaitė is the only woman ever featured on Litas banknotes, though they were replaced by coins just four years later.

From the National Museum of Lithuania, Epaveldas.lt