February 22

Born in 1649 into a family of artists, he trained under renowned French painters in Paris. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome and studied classical art in Italy, absorbing Baroque influences. Upon his return, he executed decorative frescoes in royal palaces and churches, showcasing dynamic compositions. His paintings combined dramatic light, refined color palettes, and meticulous detail characteristic of the era. He taught at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, shaping the next generation of French artists. He died in 1717, remembered for his contributions to the grandeur of French Baroque art.

Born in Paris, Charles-Nicolas Cochin became a leading engraver at the court of Louis XV. He produced intricate illustrations of royal events and published influential treatises on drawing and calligraphy. A member of the French Royal Academy, his work helped define the Rococo aesthetic in graphic arts. He collaborated with architects and designers to document grand ceremonies, processions, and architectural projects. Cochin's legacy endures in collections across Europe and in the continued study of 18th-century French decorative art.

Son of renowned painter Charles Willson Peale, Rembrandt honed his craft under his father's tutelage in Philadelphia. He gained acclaim for lifelike portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other prominent figures. Peale established his own museum in Baltimore, serving as curator and showcasing natural history exhibits alongside art. His work reflected the neoclassical style and helped shape early American visual culture. Later in life, he traveled to Europe to study Old Masters and expand his artistic repertoire. Rembrandt Peale's portraits remain notable for their balance of realism and idealized representation.

Eric Gill was an English sculptor, typeface designer, and printmaker associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement.\nHe created iconic typefaces such as Gill Sans and Perpetua, still widely used today.\nGill's sculptures and reliefs can be seen in churches, public buildings, and memorials across the UK.\nHe co-founded the Guild of St George, promoting craftsmanship and social ideals.\nGill's work blended traditional techniques with modernist sensibilities in both art and typography.\nDespite controversies surrounding his personal life, his artistic influence endures in design communities.

Born in 1887 in Australia, Pat Sullivan moved to the United States to pursue a career in animation. He and his studio produced the beloved Felix the Cat cartoons during the silent film era. Sullivan's work helped establish early animation techniques and popularize animated shorts. Though credit for Felix's creation was disputed, Sullivan's productions left a lasting impact on cartoons. His studio laid the groundwork for character-driven animation in cinema. He continued working in film production until his death in 1933.

Luis Buñuel (1900–1983) was a visionary director and producer who helped shape the language of surrealist film. Born in Spain and later a naturalized Mexican citizen, he collaborated with artists like Salvador Dalí to create groundbreaking works such as "Un Chien Andalou". His films challenged social conventions with dreamlike imagery and sharp satire. Over a career spanning six decades, Buñuel directed features in Europe and Latin America, earning acclaim and controversy. He remains a towering influence on filmmakers who seek to blend poetic vision with social critique.

Constance Stokes (1906–1991) was an influential Australian artist whose modernist approach brought freshness to portraiture and figurative painting. She studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne and exhibited widely in Australia and abroad. Stokes’s work is known for its vibrant color palette and thoughtful composition. She was part of the progressive art circles that redefined Australian painting in the mid-20th century. Her paintings are held in major collections, and her legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists.

Zenaida Manfugás was a Cuban pianist whose career spanned over six decades, earning her national and international acclaim. Born in Santiago de Cuba, she began her musical studies at a young age and later joined Havana's National Conservatory. She became known for her interpretive sensitivity in works by Chopin, Beethoven, and Latin American composers. Manfugás performed extensively across Europe and Latin America, promoting Cuban music on the world stage. As a dedicated educator, she taught at the conservatory and gave masterclasses that inspired new generations of pianists. Her recordings remain a testament to her artistry and commitment to Cuban musical heritage.

Joe Wilder was an American trumpeter whose refined technique and lyrical style bridged jazz, classical, and popular music. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music and became one of the first African American musicians to break racial barriers in studio orchestras. Wilder performed with legends such as Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Miles Davis, and recorded extensively as a leader. In 2008, he was honored with the NEA Jazz Masters Award for his outstanding contribution to jazz. As a composer and arranger, he crafted sophisticated arrangements for big bands and small ensembles. Wilder's elegant playing and dedication to his craft left an enduring mark on the American music scene.

Edward Gorey developed a distinctive gothic style, creating illustrated works characterized by dark humor and Victorian-era aesthetics. His best-known book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, showcased his talent for combining rhyme with grim subject matter. Gorey also contributed opening animations for PBS's Mystery! series and designed costumes and sets for theater productions. His lifelong fascination with architecture and antiques informed his intricate line work. His influence extends across literature, film, and popular culture, inspiring generations of artists.

Guy Mitchell was born Albert Cernik and began his career performing with bandleader Kay Kyser before signing with Columbia Records. His 1956 recording of 'Singing the Blues' topped the Billboard charts for six weeks and became an enduring classic. Mitchell followed up with other hits, including 'Heartaches by the Number' and 'My Heart Cries for You'. He also appeared on television shows like Your Hit Parade and in occasional acting roles. His smooth vocals and upbeat style helped define the sound of 1950s pop music.

Texas Johnny Brown began his musical career in Houston in the late 1940s, blending jazz and blues influences into a distinctive sound. He wrote songs for other artists, including Bobby Bland's hit 'Two Steps from the Blues'. Brown recorded his own albums and toured extensively, sharing stages with blues legends like Lightnin' Hopkins. His guitar work was praised for its fluid phrasing and emotional depth. In later years, he was honored for his contributions to Texas blues and continued performing into his eighties.