Kiev Ukraine Taras Shevchenko Monument

overview

To the centenary since the poet's birth the progressive public of Russia organized the raising of money for the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Kiev city. This event became a matter of nationwide character. From 1909 to 1914 four competitions for the best project of a monument with participation of many well-known Russian sculptors were held.

Kiev Ukraine Taras Shevchenko Monument view

But the monument to Taras Shevchenko was not erected. A wave of indignation ran over the Ukraine. The more the reaction raged, the more actively the people asserted its rights to the memory of a beloved poet. Unknown craftsmen carved his portraits on the rocks, skilled hands of embroideresses adorned towels with Kobzar's images, folk singers and musicians made songs about Taras Shevchenko, composed music to his verses.

After the October revolution motioned by Lenin the Soviet government issued the decree about monuments. In accordance with this decree there had to be erected monuments to well known revolutionaries, scientists and people of arts, among which was the Ukrainian poet, democratic revolutionary Taras Grigorievich Shevchenko.

Kiev Ukraine Taras Shevchenko Monument view

Erected in 1939 to mark the 125th anniversary of the great Ukrainian poet's birth, the monument stands in the park named after him. The sculptor was Matvei Manizer, the architect Yevgeny Levinson. The bronze statue, 6.45 meters high, stands on a 7.3 meters red granite pedestal.

Kiev Ukraine Taras Shevchenko park view