Shevchenko Monument

The Shevchenko Monument in Ottawa is an impressive bronze statue on a tall granite pedestal, depicting the Ukrainian poet and painter Taras Shevchenko. The sculptor Leo Mol created this work, which was unveiled in 2011 on the grounds of the Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage church. The central figure shows the young Shevchenko in period clothing, holding a palette and brushes and gazing into the distance. The main statue is surrounded by three smaller bas-reliefs symbolizing key works of his poetry: the Cossacks of the epic Haydamaky, the ballad Kateryna, and a bandurist. In this way, the monument brings together Shevchenko's literary and artistic significance for Ukrainian culture in a dignified memorial site.