March 19

Born in 1601 in Granada, Alonzo Cano trained under Francisco Pacheco and became known for his elegant religious paintings. He also excelled as a sculptor, creating lifelike wooden figures and altarpieces for Andalusian churches. As an architect, Cano designed facades and chapels, blending Gothic and Renaissance influences. His work in Seville and Madrid earned him royal patronage and a reputation for meticulous draftsmanship. Cano’s legacy endures through his contributions to Baroque art and the cross-disciplinary mastery he demonstrated until his death in 1667.

Born in 1661 in Camaiore, Tuscany, Francesco Gasparini moved to Venice where he became maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s Basilica. He composed operas, oratorios, and cantatas noted for their melodic richness and dramatic flair. Gasparini taught prominent musicians, including Antonio Vivaldi, and authored a treatise on counterpoint and composition. His works contributed to the development of the Venetian school and early Baroque opera. He died in 1727, remembered for his artistry and pedagogical impact.

Fredrik Pacius was born in Hamburg in 1809 and moved to Finland in 1834 to serve as a music professor at the University of Helsinki. He composed the melody for 'Maamme,' which was later adopted as Finland's national anthem, and introduced choral singing traditions to the country. Pacius conducted Finland's first public opera performances and wrote cantatas, symphonies, and chamber works blending German Romantic style with Finnish folk elements. He taught and mentored generations of Finnish musicians, helping establish a national musical identity. Pacius led several choirs and orchestras until his death in 1891. His pioneering work laid the foundation for Finland's rich choral and orchestral traditions.

Johannes Verhulst was born in 1816 in The Hague and studied music under prominent Dutch composers. As a conductor, he led orchestras in Amsterdam and directed the Maatschappij tot Bevordering der Toonkunst, promoting high standards in musical performance. Verhulst composed symphonic poems, chamber works, songs, and piano pieces that reflected the Romantic style of the 19th century. He championed Dutch composers and played a key role in establishing a national musical identity during a period dominated by foreign influences. Verhulst continued to teach, conduct, and advocate for music education until his death in 1891. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for the Netherlands' modern orchestral and choral traditions.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1847, Albert Pinkham Ryder turned down formal art training in favor of self-guided study. He became known for his dark, atmospheric oil paintings depicting sea, night scenes, and poetic allegories. Ryder's unconventional techniques involved applying thick layers of paint and varnish, which often led to long-term conservation challenges. Though he sold few paintings during his lifetime, his visionary approach inspired artists such as Marsden Hartley and Jackson Pollock. Ryder exhibited with the Society of American Artists and received recognition late in his career. Today, his works are held in major museums, reflecting his lasting impact on American art.

Charles Marion Russell was an American painter and sculptor born in 1864 in St. Louis. After moving to Montana at age 16, he immersed himself in cowboy life, which inspired his art. Over a career spanning five decades, Russell produced over 2,000 paintings and sculptures capturing frontier life, Native Americans, and wildlife with authenticity and drama. Known as "the Cowboy Artist", he helped shape popular images of the West and co-founded the Montana Historical Society. His works remain iconic symbols of American Western heritage.

Anna Held was a Polish-born singer and stage performer born in 1872. Discovered by impresario Florenz Ziegfeld, she headlined the Ziegfeld Follies and became famed for her charismatic performances, striking costumes, and publicity stunts. Held’s flair and stage presence helped pioneer modern celebrity culture and revues. Her lavish productions and onstage persona set the tone for Broadway entertainment in the early 20th century.

Max Reger was a prolific German musician born in 1873 in Brand, Bavaria. His compositions blended Romantic traditions with Baroque forms, producing acclaimed works such as "Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Mozart" and numerous chorale preludes. Reger taught theory and composition while publishing over 400 pieces. He also served as a conductor in Wiesbaden and Leipzig, leading choirs and orchestras. His dense counterpoint and emotional depth influenced later composers despite his struggles with health.

Born in 1882, Gaston Lachaise studied under prominent sculptors in France before moving to the United States in 1907. He developed a distinctive approach to the human form, emphasizing volume, movement, and emotional expressiveness. His most famous works include 'Standing Woman' and portrait busts of literary figures, which showcased his mastery of texture. Lachaise exhibited widely in New York and Europe, earning acclaim for his innovative reinterpretation of classical themes. He also contributed to public monuments and taught at art schools, influencing younger generations. His sculptures remain celebrated for their timeless elegance and bold style. Lachaise continued to work until his death in 1935, leaving a lasting impact on American sculpture.

Born Kleon Triantafyllou in 1885, Attik studied music in Athens and Paris, blending Greek folk themes with European salon styles. Over his career, he composed more than 500 songs and numerous theatrical scores, many of which became standards. He collaborated with leading singers and orchestras, helping to establish the Greek recording industry. Attik’s work modernized popular music in Greece by introducing sophisticated arrangements and melodic richness. He also performed as a singer in cabarets and theaters, enhancing his public profile. Beyond composition, he wrote lyrics that captured the spirit of his era. Attik’s influence endures, and his songs are still performed and recorded across Greece today.

Born in 1888 in Germany, Josef Albers studied at the Bauhaus, where he explored the interaction of color and form. He emigrated to the United States in 1933, teaching at Black Mountain College and later at Yale University. Albers developed the influential 'Homage to the Square' series, examining how colors change in proximity. His book 'Interaction of Color' remains a seminal text in art education. He trained generations of artists, emphasizing experimentation and perceptual awareness. Albers’s approach combined rigorous theory with hands-on practice, reshaping modernist pedagogy. He continued to work and teach until his death in 1976, leaving a profound legacy in both art and design.

Born in 1892 in Estonia, Ado Vabbe studied art in Munich and returned home to lead modernist movements. He blended Impressionist and Expressionist techniques, creating works marked by bold color and simplified forms. Vabbe taught at the Pallas Art School in Tartu, mentoring many students who became prominent Estonian artists. His paintings often depicted rural landscapes and urban life, reflecting national identity through modern lenses. He also explored printmaking and illustration, contributing to cultural publications. Vabbe exhibited widely in Estonia and abroad, gaining critical acclaim. He died in 1961, remembered as a pioneering force in Estonian modern art.