February 20

Born in 1633 in The Hague, de Baen studied under Jacob van der Ulft. Gained fame for his portraits of statesmen, diplomats, and royalty, including Frederick William of Brandenburg. Appointed court painter to the Electorate of the Palatinate and worked across Europe. His sober style and attention to detail made him a sought-after artist. Died in 1702, leaving a rich legacy of Baroque portraiture.

Born in 1705, Chédeville excelled as a musette virtuoso in Paris. Composed pieces for the hurdy-gurdy and musette, publishing works under pseudonyms to boost sales. His 'Amusements de Musette' remains an important collection of baroque pastoral music. Collaborated with Jean-Philippe Rameau and influenced French instrumental styles. Remembered for elevating folk instruments to courtly music salons. Died in 1782.

Charles Auguste de Bériot studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels before embarking on a distinguished performing career across Europe. He composed a series of popular violin concertos and romances notable for their lyricism and technical demands. As a teacher, de Bériot mentored future stars including Henri Vieuxtemps, shaping the next generation of violinists. He married the famed mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran, further entwining music and romance in his life story. His influence endures in violin pedagogy and the continued performance of his compositions.

Carl Westman trained at the Royal Institute of Art before establishing his practice in Stockholm. A leading figure in Nordic Classicism, he blended classical proportions with functional modernism. His design for the Stockholm Court House combined granite facades with a restrained decorative scheme, becoming a symbol of judicial authority. Westman’s Röhsska Museum showcased his skill in museum architecture, balancing formality with visitor accessibility. Beyond major commissions, he influenced architectural education and preservation, leaving a durable imprint on Scandinavian design.

Mary Garden was a Scottish-American soprano and actress who became a leading figure in the opera world. Born in 1874 in Aberdeen, she studied in Paris and made her debut at the Opéra-Comique. She gained acclaim for her interpretations of French repertoire, including roles in works by Debussy and Massenet. Garden helped popularize modern French opera in the United States as a star of the Chicago Grand Opera. She also appeared in silent films and wrote memoirs sharing her artistic insights. Her contributions left a lasting mark on the development of opera performance.

Elie Nadelman was a Polish-American sculptor whose work blended classical forms with modern simplification. Born in Warsaw in 1882, he studied art in Munich and Paris before emigrating to the United States in 1914. Nadelman developed a distinctive style characterized by smooth lines and archetypal figures. He exhibited widely and collected folk art, publishing influential essays on aesthetic theory. His sculptures contributed to the rise of modern public art in America. Nadelman's legacy was rediscovered in the late 20th century, cementing his place among prominent modernist sculptors.

Born in 1897, Albright studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and developed a meticulous painting technique. His works are characterized by their extraordinary detail and often grim subject matter. He explored themes of decay, mortality, and the human condition. His most famous works include the series inspired by Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' Albright taught at several institutions and influenced a generation of artists. His legacy endures through exhibitions that celebrate his unique vision.

Born in 1901 in Estonia, Kahn emigrated to the United States as a child. He developed a distinctive style marked by monumental forms, material honesty, and masterful use of light. His landmarks include the Salk Institute in California and the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas. The Bangladesh Parliament Building showcases his talent for blending space, function, and symbolism. Kahn taught at Yale University and profoundly influenced generations of architects. Despite financial struggles, his later works received international acclaim and continue to inspire.

Born in 1902 in San Francisco, Adams became one of the most influential landscape photographers. He developed the Zone System, a technique for precise exposure and development. His iconic images of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada highlighted the grandeur of wilderness. Adams co-founded Group f/64, advocating photography as a fine art. A committed conservationist, he used his work to campaign for national park protection. He published numerous books and lectured widely on photography and environmental stewardship. His legacy endures through iconic prints and environmental advocacy.

Robert Altman’s career spanned over five decades, during which he directed landmark films such as M*A*S*H, Nashville, and The Player. He was known for his overlapping dialogue, large casts, and satirical takes on American institutions. Altman won the Palme d’Or at Cannes for M*A*S*H and received multiple Academy Award nominations. His work challenged Hollywood conventions and paved the way for independent filmmakers. Altman also nurtured emerging talent, giving early roles to actors like Lily Tomlin and Bruce Willis. He remained active in filmmaking until his death in 2006.

Gillian Lynne began her career as a dancer with the Sadler's Wells Ballet before transitioning to choreography in the 1960s. She collaborated closely with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, creating iconic dance sequences for Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, and other West End and Broadway hits. Lynne’s innovative approach blended classical ballet with modern dance, revolutionizing musical theater choreography. She founded her own dance company and school, nurturing new generations of performers and choreographers. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded a Damehood in 2018. Lynne’s influence continues to shape theater and dance worldwide.

Ibrahim Ferrer was born in San Luis, Cuba in 1927. He began singing in the streets before joining local son ensembles. Ferrer became a key vocalist for the Buena Vista Social Club in the 1990s, helping to revive interest in traditional Cuban music worldwide. His warm baritone voice and charismatic performances won him fans across the globe. He recorded several solo albums and collaborated with musicians around the world. Ferrer continued to perform well into his seventies, earning Grammy recognition. He passed away in 2005, leaving a lasting legacy in world music.