Taras Shevchenko (1814–1861) is a Ukrainian poet, artist, public figure and national hero who is one of the most important figures in the history of Ukrainian culture and literature. He was born in the village of Moryntsi in the Kyiv region in a serf family, but thanks to his talent he gained freedom and became a symbol of the struggle for Ukrainian national identity. Shevchenko gained world recognition as the author of deep and insightful poetic works that highlight the themes of freedom, justice, love and the fate of the Ukrainian people.
His most famous poetry collection,"Kobzar", became a kind of "bible" of the Ukrainian people, containing poems that inspire the struggle for rights and freedoms. Shevchenko was also a talented artist, and his artistic legacy includes numerous portraits, landscapes and graphics. He made a significant contribution to the development of the Ukrainian language and culture, becoming a symbol of national revival.
Taras Shevchenko's works have been translated into many languages, and his influence on Ukrainian literature and society remains relevant to this day.