February 22

Charles Le Brun (1619–1690) was the principal painter of Louis XIV’s court and a founder of the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Born near Paris, he studied under Simon Vouet and developed a distinctive classical style. Appointed First Painter to the King in 1664, he oversaw major decorative programs at Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors. Le Brun authored influential treatises on art, emphasizing the expression of emotions and the hierarchy of genres. His systematic approach shaped French art theory and education for generations. He served as director of the Academy until his death, solidifying France's dominance in European art.

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796–1875) was a pivotal French painter whose landscapes bridged Neoclassicism and Impressionism. Travelling to Italy early in his career, he captured the light and atmosphere of the Roman countryside in luminous sketches. Back in Paris, Corot became famous for his soft palette and lyrical compositions, depicting rural France with poetic realism. He also worked as an illustrator, producing lithographs and sketches that influenced both artists and scientists. His repeated excursions to the forest of Fontainebleau inspired the Barbizon School and later Impressionists. Corot’s legacy endures through his harmonious blending of observation and imagination, making him a master of plein air painting.

Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834–1890) studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and traveled to France and Italy on a scholarship. He achieved fame for his richly detailed frescoes in the Frederiksborg Palace Chapel, depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Bloch’s mastery of color, light, and emotional expression earned him acclaim in Denmark and abroad. His works have had lasting influence on church art and continue to inspire viewers worldwide. Despite his early death at 55, Bloch’s legacy endures through exhibitions and reproductions of his paintings.

Hugo Wolf (1860–1903) emerged as a leading figure of the late Romantic era, specializing in Lieder that combined literary sensitivity with rich harmonic language. He studied in Vienna and Prague before settling in Vienna’s musical circles, where he championed the works of Wagner. Wolf’s song collections, including Mörike Lieder and Eichendorff Lieder, remain cornerstones of the vocal repertoire. His concise, intense style influenced subsequent composers and expanded the expressive possibilities of the lied. Struggling with mental illness in later years, Wolf’s career tragically ended in an Austrian asylum. Nevertheless, his artistic legacy endures through performances and recordings of his masterful songs.

Paul-Émile Borduas was the driving force behind Les Automatistes, a group of Quebec artists who rejected traditional forms in favor of spontaneous creation. His landmark manifesto, 'Refus global', challenged social and religious conventions in 1948, igniting debates on artistic freedom. Borduas's vibrant paintings and theoretical writings influenced generations of North American modernists. After facing backlash in Quebec, he lived and painted in New York and Paris, expanding his abstract vocabulary. His work remains central to Canadian art history and is featured in major museum collections worldwide.

Born in New Orleans in 1889, LaRocca formed the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1916. They made the first commercial jazz recording in 1917, introducing the genre to a national audience. His spirited solos and compositions, including the famous "Tiger Rag," became early jazz standards. He led the band on tours across the United States and Europe, shaping public perception of jazz. Though his role has been debated by historians, his recordings remain landmark achievements. LaRocca continued performing and advocating for jazz until his death in 1961.

Born in Detroit in 1943, Ballard co-founded The Primettes in 1959, which became The Supremes. As an original member alongside Diana Ross and Mary Wilson, she contributed to early Motown hits. Her powerful vocals were featured on classics like "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Come See About Me." Despite the group’s success, internal tensions led to her departure in 1967. She pursued a solo career with limited commercial success and faced personal struggles. Ballard died in 1976 but remains celebrated for her role in one of the most successful vocal groups in music history.

Born in Pöchlarn, Austria, in 1886, Kokoschka studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. He emerged as a leading Expressionist, creating dynamic paintings and watercolors with vivid colors. His literary talents produced plays and poems, including the drama "Murderer, the Hope of Women." After the Nazis labeled his art "degenerate," he lived in exile in Prague, London, and ultimately Switzerland. His emotionally charged portraits captured psychological depth and influenced future generations of artists. Kokoschka continued producing art and writing until his death in 1980, leaving a diverse and influential legacy.

Born in 1889 in Chester, England, Sir Adrian Cedric Boult became one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century. He studied at the Royal College of Music under Charles Villiers Stanford and later held positions at the BBC, where he championed the works of Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and other British composers. Boult served as the principal conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra for over two decades, bringing modern British music to international audiences. He was known for his precise technique, clarity of interpretation, and dignified stage presence. Knighted in 1937, he also guest conducted leading orchestras around the world, earning acclaim for his versatility. In his later years, he continued teaching and recording, leaving behind a rich discography. Boult passed away on February 22, 1983, at the age of 93, and is remembered as a pillar of British musical life.

Born Efrem Zimbalist Sr. in 1889 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, he studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Leopold Auer. Zimbalist made his American debut in 1910 and quickly gained acclaim for his expressive tone and technical mastery. In 1925, he helped establish the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, serving as its director and nurturing future generations of musicians. Beyond performance, Zimbalist composed orchestral works and chamber music, reflecting his deep understanding of musical form. He also conducted major orchestras and recorded extensively, leaving a rich legacy on vinyl. His marriage to Romanian soprano Mary Louise Curtis further connected him to the American music community. Zimbalist died on February 22, 1985, at the age of 95, remembered as one of the great violinists of his era.

Born in 1928 in Pittsburgh, Andy Warhol rose to fame in the early 1960s by transforming everyday consumer goods into high art. His works, including the famous 'Campbell's Soup Cans' and Marilyn Monroe screen prints, challenged traditional distinctions between commercial and fine art. Warhol founded The Factory, a New York City studio that became a cultural hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities. He experimented with filmmaking, producing avant-garde films such as 'Sleep' and 'Empire,' and expanded his influence into music, journalism, and publishing. Warhol's distinctive blend of celebrity culture, mass media commentary, and innovative techniques reshaped the art world. He also foresaw the power of branding and self-promotion, becoming a media personality himself. Warhol died on February 22, 1987, but his impact on contemporary art and pop culture remains profound.

Born John Henry Creach in 1917 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, he began playing violin at a young age and immersed himself in jazz and blues traditions. Creach developed a unique electric violin style that caught the attention of rock musicians in the late 1960s. He joined Jefferson Airplane in 1970, contributing to albums such as 'Bark' and touring with the band during its transition to Jefferson Starship. Creach also played with Hot Tuna, performing both live and in the studio, and released several solo albums that showcased his cross-genre versatility. His collaborations spanned artists like Carlos Santana, B.B. King, and Taj Mahal, reflecting his wide musical reach. Known for his charismatic stage presence, Papa John remained active in music until the early 1990s. He died on February 22, 1994, leaving a legacy as one of rock's most distinctive violinists.