January 20

Sir John Soane (1753–1837) was a leading figure in Neoclassical architecture in Britain. Appointed architect to the Bank of England in 1788, he transformed the building with inventive spatial planning and light-filled interiors. His design of the Dulwich Picture Gallery in 1817 created one of the first purpose-built public art museums, influencing gallery layouts worldwide. Soane collected antiquities, artworks, and architectural fragments in his home, later bequeathed as the Sir John Soane’s Museum. He served as Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy, mentoring a generation of architects. Soane’s visionary approach to form and function left a lasting legacy in architectural history.

Born Elisabeth Brentano in 1785, Bettina von Arnim was a prominent figure of German Romanticism alongside her husband Achim von Arnim. She authored 'Goethe’s Correspondence with a Child', a groundbreaking epistolary work blending biography and fiction. Von Arnim also produced illustrations and musical compositions that showcased her creative breadth. Her Berlin salon became a hub for writers, artists, and thinkers of the era. An advocate for women’s rights and educational reform, she left a legacy of social engagement before her death in 1859.

Born into a farming family in Normandy in 1814, Jean-François Millet depicted rural labor with empathy and stark realism. A co-founder of the Barbizon school, he influenced the shift toward painting directly from nature. His iconic works, such as 'The Gleaners' and 'The Angelus', elevated scenes of peasant life to fine art. Millet taught at prestigious art institutions and mentored younger artists, leaving a profound impact on future movements like Impressionism. He died on January 20, 1875, revered as a pioneer of naturalist painting.

Born in London in 1819, John Ruskin became the leading art critic of the Victorian era, advocating for truth to nature. His seminal works, including 'Modern Painters' and 'The Stones of Venice', influenced architecture and the Gothic revival. Ruskin was also an accomplished watercolor artist, celebrated for his delicate landscapes and architectural studies. Beyond art, he wrote on social justice, education, and political economy, inspiring the Arts and Crafts movement. He passed away on January 20, 1900, leaving a lasting legacy across art, literature, and social reform.

José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913) was a masterful Mexican engraver and printmaker whose work captured the spirit of popular culture. He produced thousands of broadsheet engravings that blended satire, folklore, and social commentary. His iconic calavera (skull) illustrations, including "La Calavera Catrina," became symbols of the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. Posada's prints often addressed politics, injustice, and the struggles of ordinary people with sharp wit. He worked in various techniques such as etching, lithography, and wood engraving to reach a wide audience. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, his art gained international recognition and influenced 20th-century Mexican artists. Posada's legacy continues to inspire contemporary illustrators and preserve Mexico's cultural heritage.

Margrethe Munthe (1860–1931) was a prominent Norwegian songwriter and educator whose works became staples of childhood. She penned numerous songs and poems that combined simple melodies with moral and educational themes. Munthe's collections, such as "Kom, bli med i sangen," were widely used in schools across Norway. Her lyrical style celebrated nature, family life, and virtues like kindness and honesty. Beyond songwriting, she taught at girls' schools and advocated for children's education and welfare. Her songs fostered a sense of national identity and joy in singing among young Norwegians. Munthe's melodies continue to be sung today, preserving her enduring influence on Norwegian culture.

Born in 1927 in Queens, New York, Mulligan rose to fame in the 1950s jazz scene.\nHe co-led the 'Birth of the Cool' sessions with Miles Davis, shaping the cool jazz movement.\nMulligan’s pianoless quartets and intricate arrangements showcased his lyrical playing style.\nHe composed memorable pieces like 'Line for Lyons' and collaborated with artists across genres.\nHis contributions to jazz education and performance influenced generations of musicians.

Born in 1963 as the daughter of comedian Carol Burnett, she pursued acting and music from a young age.\nHamilton appeared on Broadway and in film and television, showcasing versatility across drama and comedy.\nShe co-wrote musicals and songs, blending wit with heartfelt storytelling.\nHer performances in productions like 'Tomorrow Morning' earned critical acclaim.\nBeyond the stage, Hamilton was an advocate for mental health, drawing from personal experiences.

Born in 1903 in Saint Louis, Missouri, Hirschfeld developed a unique minimalistic style that captured likeness with fluid lines.\nHis work appeared in The New York Times for over 60 years, chronicling the golden age of theater.\nHirschfeld hid the name 'Nina' in his drawings in tribute to his daughter, creating a popular game for readers.\nHe published numerous collections showcasing his art and authored books on caricature.\nHis influence on illustration and popular culture endures, inspiring artists worldwide.

Etta James (1938-2012) was an American vocalist celebrated for her versatile blend of blues, R&B, soul, rock, and jazz. Born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, she began her career as a teenager, quickly gaining acclaim for her raw emotion and vocal power. Her 1960 hit 'At Last' became a signature song and enduring standard. Over her six-decade career, she recorded more than 30 studio albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite personal challenges including addiction and health issues, her resilience and artistry inspired generations. James remained active in music until her passing, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest voices of the 20th century.