March 07

Filippo Juvarra was born in Messina in 1678 and trained under architect Carlo Fontana in Rome. He became the court architect for the House of Savoy, creating grand palaces and churches throughout Italy and Spain. His designs are characterized by elegant curves, dramatic use of light, and harmonious proportions. The Basilica of Superga, built on a hill overlooking Turin, is considered his masterpiece and a landmark of European Baroque architecture. Juvarra's influence shaped the visual identity of 18th-century sacred and civic spaces across the continent.

Piet Mondrian was a Dutch-American artist who helped pioneer abstract art in the early 20th century. He co-founded the De Stijl movement, emphasizing simple geometric elements and primary colors. His most famous works, such as Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow, revolutionized modern art. Mondrian's precise aesthetic aimed to express universal harmony and order. His legacy influenced architecture, design, and art long after his death in 1944.

Maurice Ravel was a leading figure in French music at the turn of the 20th century. His works, including Boléro and Daphnis et Chloé, showcase his mastery of orchestral color and texture. Ravel's precise craftsmanship and innovative harmonies helped define musical Impressionism. Aside from composing, he was an accomplished pianist and conductor who influenced contemporaries and later composers. His music remains central to concert repertoires worldwide.

Milton Avery developed a distinctive painting style characterized by simplified forms and bold, flat areas of color. Working in New York and Maine, he captured everyday scenes with a modern sensibility. His art influenced later Abstract Expressionists, including Mark Rothko. Avery's harmonious palettes and serene compositions emphasized emotional resonance over detailed representation. Over his career, he held numerous exhibitions and gained recognition for his contribution to American modernism.

Maud Lewis was a Canadian folk artist known for her colorful depictions of rural life. Born with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, she faced significant physical challenges from childhood. Despite her condition, Lewis produced over a thousand paintings on metal scraps, board, and household objects. Her charming scenes often featured bright landscapes, animals, and domestic interiors. She sold her work for modest sums during her lifetime, but her art gained widespread acclaim after her death. Her tiny, painted home in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, is now a museum celebrating her life and legacy.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, was an influential English photographer and filmmaker renowned for his portraits of the British royal family. He studied photography at the Royal College of Art and directed documentaries and feature films. Elevated to the peerage in 1961, he held the title Earl of Snowdon and participated in various public service roles. His distinctive style combined technical precision with emotional depth, making him a sought-after portraitist. Beyond photography, he chaired cultural institutions and contributed to television. His iconic images shaped the public's view of the royal family and continue to inspire portrait artists.

Robert Trotter was a Scottish actor and photographer whose career spanned theater, television, and visual arts. He performed with prestigious companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in Scottish television dramas. Parallel to his acting, Trotter developed a passion for photography, capturing evocative landscapes and portraits exhibited in galleries across Scotland. His dual talents showcased his versatility and creative vision. Beyond the stage and camera, he mentored young artists and photographers. Trotter's work bridged performing arts and visual storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on Scotland's cultural scene.

Gray Morrow was an American illustrator and comic book artist renowned for his dynamic work in science fiction and fantasy genres. He contributed to titles such as Tarzan, Buck Rogers, and Marvel's What If?, bringing characters to life with detailed line work and dramatic compositions. Morrow also illustrated novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs and Edgar Allan Poe, earning acclaim for his atmospheric style. His career spanned over four decades, during which he worked for both DC and Marvel Comics. In addition to comics, he painted book covers and editorial illustrations. Morrow's art continues to influence contemporary illustrators and comic artists.

Chris White is an English musician born in 1943, renowned as the bassist and co-songwriter for the rock band The Zombies. He co-wrote hits like 'She's Not There' and 'Tell Her No,' which became classics of the 1960s British Invasion. White's melodic basslines and songwriting contributions helped define The Zombies' distinctive sound. After the band's initial split, he continued writing and producing for other artists and projects. He participated in reunion performances and new recordings, celebrating The Zombies' enduring legacy. White's work has influenced generations of bassists and songwriters in rock and pop music.

Townes Van Zandt was an American musician born in 1944, acclaimed for his melancholic and poetic songwriting. His intimate guitar style and heartfelt lyrics in songs like 'Pancho and Lefty' earned him a cult following. Despite limited commercial success, Van Zandt's work influenced artists across folk, country, and Americana genres. He released several albums characterized by raw emotion and minimalistic arrangements. Van Zandt's struggles with mental health and addiction added depth to his poignant storytelling. He is remembered as one of the most revered songwriters of his generation.

Arthur Lee was born in 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee. As the frontman and principal songwriter of Love, he helped pioneer the psychedelic rock sound of the 1960s. His 1967 album 'Forever Changes' is celebrated as a masterpiece of the era. After an initial breakup in 1968, Lee pursued solo projects that explored folk, blues, and experimental music. Despite health challenges and legal troubles later in life, his influence on rock music endured until his death in 2006.

Born in 1946 in Addiscombe, England, Matthew Fisher joined Procol Harum in 1967 as their organist. His Hammond organ riff defined the sound of the 1967 hit 'A Whiter Shade of Pale', which became one of rock's signature songs. Fisher contributed to the band's first four albums, co-writing several tracks. After leaving Procol Harum, he established himself as a record producer and arranger for various artists. Decades later, he successfully claimed co-writing credits and royalties for his work on 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'.