March 13

Born in 1372 into the Valois dynasty, Louis I became Duke of Orléans at a young age. As brother to King Charles VI, he wielded significant influence in the French court. His rivalry with the Duke of Burgundy sparked the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War. Louis was a patron of the arts and commissioned important works of the early Renaissance. In 1407, he was assassinated by agents of John the Fearless, a moment that escalated France's internal conflict. His death had lasting political repercussions and shaped the Hundred Years' War.

Born in Nuremberg in 1479, Spengler became a leading hymnwriter during the Reformation. He worked closely with Martin Luther to produce German-language hymns. His poetic and musical contributions helped spread Lutheran doctrine across Germany. Spengler's most famous works include paraphrases of biblical passages set to music. He served on the city council of Nuremberg and supported religious and educational reforms. He died in 1534, leaving a lasting legacy in Protestant church music.

Born in 1560 into the House of Nassau, William Louis became Count of Nassau-Dillenburg. He served as stadtholder of Friesland and other northern provinces in the Dutch Republic. A skilled commander, he introduced the oblique order formation, influencing modern military tactics. William Louis fought against Spanish forces during the Eighty Years' War alongside his cousin William the Silent. He was also a scholar of ancient military texts and corresponded with contemporary humanists. His reforms and leadership contributed to the emergence of the Dutch Republic as a European power. He died in 1620 after a distinguished military career.

Georges de La Tour was born around 1593 in Vic-sur-Seille, France, though exact details are uncertain. He became renowned for his nocturnal scenes illuminated by a single light source, often a candle. De La Tour's works blend religious themes with intimate, everyday settings, creating a profound sense of stillness. He joined the Guild of Saint John in Lunéville and later served as town painter and architect in Lunéville. Although admired in his lifetime, his art was largely forgotten until rediscovered in the 20th century. Key works include The Penitent Magdalen and The Fortune Teller, exemplifying his chiaroscuro technique. De La Tour died in 1652, leaving a legacy that continues to influence artists and scholars today.

Born in Diest in 1599, John Berchmans joined the Society of Jesus at a young age. He was renowned for his dedication to academic excellence and strict adherence to Jesuit discipline. Berchmans excelled in philosophy and theology, often assisting his fellow students and professors. His deep piety and love for the Eucharist earned him a reputation for holiness among his peers. He died in 1621 at the age of 22, shortly after being sent to Rome, leaving a legacy of Christian virtue. Canonized in 1888, St. John Berchmans is considered the patron saint of altar servers and students. His feast day is celebrated on November 26 in the Roman Catholic Church.

Born Antonio Pignatelli in Spinazzola in 1615, he rose through the Church hierarchy to become pope in 1691. Innocent XII is remembered for his bull Romanum decet Pontificem, which curbed nepotism in papal appointments. He supported humanitarian causes, improving the administration of the Papal States and welfare programs. Innocent worked to reconcile quarrelling European powers and fostered diplomatic relations across Catholic monarchies. He canonized several saints and promoted missionary efforts, particularly in Asia and the Americas. His papacy marked a period of modest reform and consolidation rather than grandiose architectural projects. Pope Innocent XII died in 1700, leaving a reputation for integrity and compassion.

Born in Regensburg in 1683, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann became a leading botanist of his era. His magnum opus, Phytanthoza Iconographia, was one of the first extensive illustrated plant encyclopedias. The work featured hundreds of hand-colored engravings, setting a high standard for botanical illustration. Weinmann collaborated with skilled artists and engravers to document plant species from across Europe. His contributions advanced the study of taxonomy and natural history during the early Enlightenment. Phytanthoza Iconographia remains a valuable reference for historians of science and art collectors. He died in 1741 after leaving an indelible mark on botanical publishing and illustration.

Michel Blavet was born in Besançon in 1700 and became one of France's foremost flautists. He achieved fame for his refined playing, combining technical skill with expressive musicality. Blavet served in the royal chapel of King Louis XV and later became principal flautist of the Paris Opera. His surviving compositions include sonatas, concertos, and duets for the flute and continuo. He was admired by contemporaries such as Jean-Philippe Rameau for his contributions to French music. Blavet's works remain staples of the Baroque flute repertoire, valued for their clarity and charm. He died in Paris in 1768, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of French flute performance.

Born in 1719 as John Griffin, he inherited the title 4th Baron Howard de Walden in 1763. Griffin enjoyed a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of field marshal in the British Army. He saw service in key conflicts such as the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War. In politics, he held the ceremonial post of Lord Lieutenant of Essex, representing the Crown locally. A patron of the arts and sciences, he supported agricultural improvements on his estates. Griffin's leadership and civic roles made him a notable figure in 18th-century British society. He died in 1797, remembered for both his military service and regional influence.

Joseph II, born in 1741, was the eldest son of Empress Maria Theresa and became Holy Roman Emperor in 1765. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, he sought to modernize the Habsburg dominions with sweeping reforms. He granted religious freedom to non-Catholic Christians and Jews, abolished serfdom on paper, and reorganized the empire’s bureaucracy. His reforms challenged the traditional privileges of the nobility and the Catholic Church. Despite his intentions, many measures faced resistance and were partly reversed after his death in 1790. Known as one of the most radical 'enlightened despots', his reign left a lasting impact on Central European history.

Born in 1763 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Brune rose through the ranks during the French Revolution, distinguishing himself in campaigns across Italy and Egypt. He became a trusted commander under Napoleon Bonaparte and later served as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Brune was appointed Marshal of France in 1815 but was tragically murdered during the Bourbon Restoration unrest in Avignon. He was known for his diplomatic skills as well as his military leadership, blending battlefield tactics with statesmanship. His career exemplified the tumultuous era of late 18th and early 19th-century France.