February 23

Balthazar Gerbier (1592–1663) was a Dutch painter, architect, and diplomat who became a favorite of King Charles I of England. Born in Middelburg, he moved to the English court where he served as a portraitist and art advisor. Gerbier also undertook diplomatic missions for Charles I, negotiating with European courts on cultural and political matters. His architectural designs and treatises on art theory helped shape English Baroque taste. A true Renaissance polymath, he combined visual arts with statecraft in a turbulent era. His diverse career reflects the interconnected worlds of art and diplomacy in the 17th century.

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) was a German-born composer who spent much of his career in London, becoming one of the leading figures of the Baroque era. He is renowned for his operas, oratorios, and anthems, including the famous Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Handel's music blended German, Italian, French, and English styles, appealing to diverse audiences. He achieved international fame during his lifetime, with his works performed across Europe. Despite facing financial and health challenges, he continued composing into his seventies. Handel's influence endures, with regular performances and recordings celebrating his dramatic and grand musical voice.

Hendrik Willem Mesdag (1831–1915) was a Dutch marine painter and leader of the Hague School. He earned acclaim for his large-scale seascapes, including the Panorama Mesdag, which remains one of the world's largest paintings. Mesdag's work captured the mood and light of the North Sea, blending realism with Impressionistic touches. Besides painting, he amassed a significant art collection and supported fellow artists through the Mesdagkrans society. He served as director of the The Hague Gallery and donated his collection to the city, enriching its cultural heritage. Mesdag's legacy endures in his evocative portrayals of maritime life and his championing of Dutch art.

Kazimir Malevich was born in 1878 in Kyiv, Ukraine. He pioneered abstract art with his development of Suprematism, focusing on basic geometric forms. His iconic work 'Black Square' (1915) challenged traditional aesthetics and revolutionized modern art. Malevich wrote extensively on art theory, advocating for the supremacy of pure artistic feeling. He taught at art schools in Moscow and influenced generations of avant-garde artists. Under Soviet rule, his abstract style was suppressed, and he faced persecution. Malevich's theories were rediscovered posthumously, cementing his status as a visionary. He died in 1935, leaving a profound impact on 20th-century art.

Guy Carleton Wiggins was born in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He studied at the Art Students League of New York under prominent instructors. Wiggins became known for his Impressionist depictions of New York City in winter. His dynamic brushwork captured the play of light on snow-covered streets. He exhibited widely and his work was featured in leading museums and galleries. Wiggins influenced American landscape painting in the early 20th century. Collectors prize his paintings for their atmospheric mood and historical record. He died in 1962, leaving a legacy of iconic urban scenes.

Johnny Franz began his career at EMI’s Columbia label, rising to become one of Britain’s most influential record producers. He worked closely with arrangers and artists to develop lush orchestral backings for singers like Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, and Alma Cogan. Franz’s productions topped the UK charts and helped define the era’s sophisticated pop style. He was known for his meticulous studio work, attention to detail, and ability to nurture talent. Franz’s collaborations left a lasting mark on British popular music. He continued producing hits until his untimely death in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of timeless recordings.

Régine Crespin was a renowned French soprano whose versatile voice captivated audiences in both lyric and dramatic roles. She studied at the Paris Conservatoire and debuted at the Opéra-Comique in 1953, later singing at the Paris Opera, Covent Garden, and the Met. Her signature roles included Wagner's Isolde, Verdi's Aida, and Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande. Crespin also appeared in films and recorded extensively, leaving a rich discography of operatic masterpieces. Honored with France's highest cultural awards, she served as a professor of voice after retiring from the stage. Her legacy endures through her recordings and the many singers she mentored until her death in 2007.

Tom Wesselmann was born in Cincinnati in 1931 and became a central figure of the Pop Art movement. His iconic 'Great American Nude' series reimagined classical forms with bold colors and graphic style. He incorporated found objects and collage techniques that challenged traditional art boundaries. Wesselmann also created large-scale sculptures echoing his painted motifs. His work was exhibited across the United States and Europe, earning widespread acclaim. He continued to innovate in visual art until his death in 2004, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary painting.

Paul Morrissey was born in 1938 and emerged as a key director in Andy Warhol's Factory scene. He directed cult classics like 'Flesh', 'Trash', and 'Heat', blending satire with raw realism. Morrissey wrote and produced films that explored youth culture and social taboos. His avant-garde style challenged mainstream cinema and inspired independent filmmakers. He continued to create and support experimental films into the 2000s. Morrissey left a profound legacy in underground cinema until his death in 2024.

Born in Munich in 1944, Florian Fricke was a pioneering German musician and composer. He founded the influential band Popol Vuh, known for their blend of electronic, ambient, and world music. Fricke contributed iconic scores to Werner Herzog films such as Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo. His innovative use of the Moog synthesizer and traditional instruments helped shape the Krautrock and ambient music scenes. Fricke passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting impact on electronic and film music.

Born in Beaumont, Texas in 1944, Johnny Winter was an iconic blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. He rose to fame in the late 1960s with his high-energy guitar style and soulful vocals. Winter produced three Grammy-winning albums for blues legend Muddy Waters. His albums such as Second Winter and Johnny Winter And remain classics of the genre. Winter passed away in 2014, remembered as one of rock's greatest guitarists.

Born in Long Beach, California in 1946, Rusty Young was a founding member of the pioneering country rock band Poco. Young's mastery of the pedal steel guitar defined Poco's signature sound on hits like Crazy Love and Heart of the Night. He remained the band's primary songwriter and driving force across multiple decades and lineup changes. Beyond Poco, Young wrote and produced music for other artists, showcasing his versatility. He passed away in 2021, celebrated for his influence on country rock and Americana music.