Vasile Alecsandri

Vasile Alecsandri (1821-1890) was a prominent figure in Romanian culture, known as a poet, playwright, folklorist, diplomat, and politician. He is considered the founder of Romanian theater and dramatic literature. Born in Bacău, he studied in Paris, where he began writing in French. Upon returning to Romania, he contributed to the development of the Iași theater and published literary works inspired by Romanian folklore.

Alecsandri was involved in the 1848 Revolution, and after its defeat, he was exiled. He wrote patriotic poems and traveled across Europe, drawing inspiration for his works. He settled in Mircești, where he continued writing and supporting cultural and political movements. A founding member of the Romanian Academy, he served as Foreign Minister under the reign of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, advocating for the Union of the Romanian Principalities.

His works include folk-inspired poetry, "pasteluri" (descriptive nature poems), patriotic songs, and plays, significantly contributing to the formation of modern Romanian literature. He received numerous awards and international recognition, remaining a central figure in Romanian culture.