Jan Barszczewski (Belarusian: Ян Баршчэўскі, Jan Barščeŭski; 1797 – 12 March 1851) was a Polish and Belarusian writer, poet, ethnographer and editor. He wrote both in Belarusian and Polish languages. He is considered "one of the founders of modern Belarusian literature".

Early years

Barszczewski was born into the family of a Greek Catholic priest who was a minor nobleman. The place of his birth is usually stated as the village of Murahi (now in Rasony district of Vitsebsk region of Belarus), however some historians assert that Barszczewski was in fact born in the village of Niaviedra (now - Pustoshkinsky District of Pskovski Oblast in Russia). He studied at the Polacak Jesuit College, where he became famous as a reader and writer of poetry. The first known poems written in Belarusian were "The Maiden", "Revolt of serfs", "Robberies of peasants" and "Conversation of serfs". He was also engaged in painting (landscapes and caricatures). After graduation, Barszczewski worked locally as a home teacher and governor before moving to St. Petersburg.

Life in St. Petersburg

In St. Petersburg he taught Greek and Latin in several government agencies and studied ancient literature. He met A. Mickiewicz and T. Shevchenko, who praised the poetic efforts of the young writer and encouraged him on the path of professional creativity. He organised a Belarusian literary circle and was the editor of the annual almanac "Niezabudka" ("Forget-me-not").

Later life and memory

In 1847 Barszczewski moved to the town of Chudniv in Ukraine where he continued his literary work. However, he soon contracted tuberculosis and succumbed to the disease on 12 March 1851. He is buried in Chudniv. In 1997 a monument was erected in his native Murahi - a large boulder with the image of the writer and engraved words "My lonely thoughts return to this land."

Main works