March 10

Born in 1628, François Girardon became one of Louis XIV's principal sculptors. He studied in Rome before returning to France, where he joined the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Girardon created iconic works for the Palace of Versailles, including fountain figures and heroic statues. His style blended classical restraint with Baroque dynamism, influencing French sculpture for generations. He also served as director of the academy and trained many prominent students. Girardon's art embodies the grandeur of the Sun King's reign and the height of French classical sculpture.

Born in Palermo in 1656, Giacomo Serpotta became a master of stucco art during the Rococo period. He created elaborate reliefs and cherubic figures in oratories, palaces, and churches across Sicily. His works in the Oratory of San Lorenzo and the Oratory of Rosario are celebrated for their fluidity and expression. Serpotta's innovative use of stucco transformed baroque interiors into dynamic, theatrical spaces. He trained a local school of artists, spreading his techniques throughout the region. Serpotta's artistry remains a highlight of Sicilian cultural heritage.

Louis Hersent was born in Paris in 1777 and studied under the celebrated painter Jacques-Louis David. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1797, which allowed him to study classical art in Italy. Hersent became a favorite of the Bourbon Restoration court, producing large-scale history paintings and elegant portraits of royalty and nobility. He served as a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, earning numerous medals and honors. In 1825 he was appointed Baron by King Charles X, reflecting his standing in French art circles. Hersent's refined technique and adherence to neoclassical ideals made him a leading figure in 19th-century French painting. He died in Paris in 1860.

William Etty was born in York, England, in 1787 and trained at the Royal Academy Schools in London. A disciple of Sir Thomas Lawrence, he became known for his elaborate history paintings featuring nude figures drawn from classical mythology. His skillful use of color and attention to anatomical detail distinguished his work, though his frequent depiction of nudity sparked controversy. Etty was elected Royal Academician in 1828 and later served as a professor at the Academy, influencing a generation of artists. He also campaigned for the preservation of Britain's ancient monuments and advocated for higher standards in art education. Etty's legacy lies in his pioneering approach to figure painting and his contributions to the British art world. He died in London in 1849.

Edward Hodges Baily was born in Bristol, England, in 1788 and trained at the Royal Academy Schools. He won multiple awards for his sculpture and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy. Baily's most famous commission is the bronze statue of Admiral Nelson that crowns Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, unveiled in 1843. His body of work also includes portrait busts, funerary monuments, and church sculptures across Britain. In 1836 he was elected an Associate Royal Academician and became a full Royal Academician in 1843. Known for his precise modeling and classical style, Baily was a leading figure in 19th-century British sculpture. He died in 1867, leaving behind a legacy of public monuments and portraiture.

Joseph Légaré was born in Quebec City in 1795 and became one of Lower Canada’s first professional painters, producing landscapes, portraits, and religious artworks. He also worked as a glazier and amassed a significant collection of European art, which later formed the basis of the Musée du Séminaire de Québec. As seigneur of Saint-Georges, Légaré served in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and advocated for public infrastructure and educational institutions. His dual career in the arts and politics helped foster Quebec's emerging cultural identity during the early 19th century. Légaré's legacy endures in his artworks and his role in establishing Canada's first public art collections. He died in 1855.

Pablo de Sarasate was a Spanish violinist renowned for his exquisite tone and dazzling technique. He toured extensively across Europe, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Sarasate composed enduring works for violin, including "Zigeunerweisen" and "Carmen Fantasy", which remain staples of the repertoire. His compositions blend folk-inspired melodies with Romantic virtuosity, showcasing both technical brilliance and expressive depth. Sarasate's legacy endures through these pieces, which continue to inspire violinists worldwide.

Marie Euphrosyne Spartali was a British painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, excelling in portraiture and literary-inspired themes. Born to a Greek-British family, she studied art in London and embraced the movement's emphasis on vivid color and intricate detail. Spartali regularly exhibited with the Society of Lady Artists, earning praise for her skillful depiction of mythological and allegorical subjects. Her work blends symbolism with romantic aesthetics, capturing the imagination of Victorian audiences. As one of the era's leading female artists, she paved the way for future women in the art world.

Born in 1876 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she studied sculpture under prominent artists in Europe. Huntington gained recognition for her powerful animal figures cast in bronze, capturing movement and spirit. Her major works include equestrian statues of Joan of Arc and El Cid displayed in public spaces. She co-founded Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina with her husband Archer Huntington to showcase outdoor sculpture. Huntington was a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation and women's contributions to art. She received numerous honors and retrospectives during her long career. She passed away in 1973, leaving a legacy as one of America's foremost sculptors.

Born in 1881 in England, Boswell studied art and developed a keen eye for capturing light and atmosphere. She exhibited her work in London galleries, gaining attention for her sensitive portrayals of rural scenes. Her early modernist influences blended with traditional techniques to create distinctive compositions. Boswell also taught art to aspiring painters, sharing her expertise and passion. She remained active through the mid-20th century, adapting her style to evolving artistic trends. Her paintings are appreciated for their elegant brushwork and quiet beauty. She died in 1956, leaving behind a modest but significant body of work.

Born in 1892 in Le Havre to Swiss parents, he studied at the Paris Conservatoire. Honegger was a core member of the avant-garde group Les Six in the 1920s. He composed diverse works, from powerful orchestral pieces to operas and film scores. His tone poem Pacific 231 evocatively depicts the sound and motion of a locomotive. Honegger also taught music theory and composition, influencing a generation of musicians. His style blended neoclassical clarity with emotional depth and rhythmic drive. He died in 1955, leaving a rich legacy in 20th-century classical music.

Born in 1896 in England, Waugh developed his skills as a cartoonist for newspapers and magazines. He produced fine art paintings that were exhibited in British galleries. Waugh shared his expertise through teaching at art schools and workshops. He authored influential books on illustration and cartoon techniques for aspiring artists. His dual career bridged practical illustration and academic art education. Waugh's students and readers benefited from his clear, methodical approach to art. He died in 1973, leaving an enduring influence on both cartooning and art instruction.