Taras Shevchenko – a son of Ukraine, alumnus of Russia

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko, celebrated on March 9, the Presidential Library prepared a collection of unique books on the life of the outstanding son of Ukraine, who revealed his talents and gained freedom in Russia.

A feature of the collection’s development was the willingness of the Ukrainian intelligentsia to provide materials for the Presidential Library. The collection will include about 40 digitized publications. Most of the books - 20 units – were delivered by the National Historical Library of Ukraine. Among them are such issues as: A. Afanasyev-Chuzhbinsky "Memories about T. G. Shevchenko," L. Chersky "Sorrow of Taras: childhood and life of T. G. Shevchenko," G. Kovalenko "Who is Taras Shevchenko," P. Zaitsev "Russian poems by T. G. Shevchenko" and others. Dnepropetrovsk Regional Universal Scientific Library provided seven more editions to be digitized.

The books reveal the personality of Taras Shevchenko, his literary and artistic talent, rich identity. They tell how Shevchenko’s talent was appreciated in Russia, how the poet was released from serfdom.

The 1939 "Biographical sketch" about Taras Shevchenko says: "During bright St. Petersburg nights he went to the Summer Garden and painted there from nature." It was in the Summer Garden that Shevchenko had a fateful meeting with Ukrainian artist Ivan Soshenko, who later introduced him to the Secretary of the Academy of Arts D. Grigorovich, and after a while – to the poet Vasily Zhukovsky, who had influence at court, and to the artist A. Venezianov.

These people played an important role in the life of Shevchenko. And, despite the resistance and petty bargain of his owner, landlord Engelhardt, released the Ukrainian original. "They realized that the living conditions of the talented young man adversely affected his evolution, and decided to secure his release from bondage," says the "Biographical sketch." Lovely portrait of Zhukovsky, created by the outstanding painter Briullov, was drawn in the lottery, and the proceeds, 2,500 rubles, were paid for Shevchenko’s freedom.

The heyday of Shevchenko’s talent was associated with Russia. He entered the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, and during his studies wrote to his brother Nikita: "I study, I bow to no one... It’s a great happiness to be a free man," says the book by G. Vladimirsky "T. G. Shevchenko," available on the Presidential Library website. Shevchenko graduated from the Academy of Arts in 1843, receiving the title of artist. And in 1860, in St. Petersburg, Taras Shevchenko was awarded the degree of academician.

Taras Shevchenko, being a national Ukrainian poet, revealed himself in Russia. In 1840, in St. Petersburg, he released his debut and most famous book, "Kobzar."

Shevchenko, like anyone else, knew his people, their life and everyday life, loved his native language, knew the folk songs and legends. He honestly admitted: "The story of my life it's part of the history of my country."