March 27

Born in 1528 in Liège, he trained as an engraver before settling in Strasbourg to escape religious conflict. De Bry compiled and published travel narratives of explorers, enhancing them with detailed copperplate engravings. His work introduced vivid images of indigenous peoples and exotic landscapes to a European audience. Through multiple editions, his illustrated compilations became standard references for early American voyages. He established a family publishing dynasty that continued his projects into the 17th century. De Bry’s engravings remain important both as art and as historical documents of early colonial encounters.

Born in Frankfurt in 1640 and active primarily in Leiden, Abraham Mignon was a pupil of the great still-life painter Jan Davidsz de Heem. He specialized in richly composed arrangements of blooms, fruit, and insects that combined meticulous realism with symbolic depth. His works are prized for their exquisite color and fine detailing, reflecting both the scientific curiosity and aesthetic tastes of the 17th century. Mignon's paintings remain highly sought after by collectors and museums for their technical mastery and poetic beauty. He died in 1679, leaving behind a legacy as one of the era's finest still-life artists.

Born in Prague in 1717, Johann Stamitz became concertmaster of the Mannheim court orchestra, where he introduced novel dynamic effects such as the crescendo. He composed numerous symphonies and sinfonias, laying the groundwork for the Classical symphonic form. Stamitz's orchestral innovations influenced Haydn, Mozart, and the wider development of European symphonic music. His works are noted for their elegant melodies and dramatic contrasts. He died in 1757, but his musical legacy resonated throughout the Classical era.

Born in Venice in 1696, Tiepolo trained under Gregorio Lazzarini before developing his own luminous and fluid style. He painted large-scale frescoes in the palaces of Würzburg, Madrid, and Venice, celebrated for their vibrant color, dynamic composition, and theatrical perspective. His art combined classical themes with Baroque drama, influencing generations of painters and decorators. An innovator in ceiling painting, he brought mythological and allegorical subjects to life with remarkable lightness and grace. He died in 1770, leaving a lasting imprint on European art.

Born in 1811, Scott began his career restoring churches before becoming a pioneer of the Gothic Revival movement. His designs include the Albert Memorial in London's Hyde Park and the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station. He also restored and rebuilt numerous cathedrals and parish churches across Britain. Scott founded one of the first architectural practices to focus on scholarship and historical accuracy. He was knighted in 1872 for his contributions to architecture. He died on March 27, 1878, leaving a transformative impact on Victorian architecture.

Nikolay Sokolov (1859–1922) was a prominent Russian composer and teacher whose works included cantatas, choral pieces, and operatic fragments. A graduate of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, he later joined the faculty of the Moscow Conservatory, influencing a generation of musicians. Sokolov’s compositions blended Romantic expressiveness with Russian liturgical traditions, earning acclaim in concert halls and churches. He authored textbooks on harmony and composition, shaping music education in Russia. Despite the upheavals of his era, Sokolov remained dedicated to nurturing talent and preserving Russian musical heritage.

Leslie Stuart (born Thomas Augustine Barrett, 1863-1928) was an English organist and composer famed for his contributions to Edwardian musical theatre. His most successful work, the musical 'Florodora' (1899), enjoyed international acclaim and long runs in London and New York. Stuart also composed popular songs such as 'Lily of Laguna' and 'Soldiers of the King,' which became music hall standards. He trained as an organist and served at various London churches before turning to theatre composition. Stuart's melodic style and sense of drama influenced the development of musical comedy in the early 20th century.

Born in Barcelona in 1876, Julio González started his artistic career as a metalsmith before turning to painting and sculpture. He collaborated closely with Pablo Picasso from 1918 to 1928, developing his signature approach to welded iron forms. González's innovative techniques helped elevate iron and steel as primary sculptural materials, presenting them in simplified, geometric compositions. His work bridged the gap between Cubism and modernist sculpture, laying groundwork for later abstract artists. Over his lifetime, he produced both monumental public works and intimate gallery pieces, leaving a lasting influence on generations of sculptors.

Mikhail Kalatozov was a Georgian-born Soviet director known for his groundbreaking visual style and innovative storytelling. His film The Cranes Are Flying (1957) won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and became an international sensation. Kalatozov's collaboration with cinematographer Sergo Mikoyan produced some of the most memorable images in Soviet cinema. Over his career, he directed both wartime dramas and lyrical romances, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. His work influenced filmmakers across the Soviet Union and beyond, leaving a lasting mark on film history. Kalatozov's artistic vision continues to inspire directors and cinephiles worldwide.

Sir Arthur Bliss was a leading British composer whose work spanned orchestral, chamber, and film music. Appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 1953, he became a central figure in mid-20th-century British classical music. Bliss studied at Cambridge and under Leopold Stokowski, forging a distinctive style that balanced modernism with lyrical expressiveness. His film scores include those for Things to Come (1936) and Mystery Submarine (1963). Throughout his career, he wrote symphonies, concertos, ballets, and choral works, earning international praise. Bliss's contributions continue to be performed by orchestras around the world, reflecting his enduring impact on music.

Shirley Graham Du Bois was a multifaceted artist and activist who dedicated her life to social justice and creative expression. She wrote novels, plays, and operas that explored African American history and identity, including the opera Tom Tom: An Epic Comedy. Graham Du Bois co-founded the Krigwa Players and later the Negro Experimental Theatre, providing platforms for Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance. After marrying civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois in 1951, she continued her work abroad, supporting anti-colonial movements in Africa. Her activism spanned writing, music, and political organizing, influencing civil rights and Pan-African efforts. Graham Du Bois's legacy endures through her artistic achievements and commitment to human rights.

Fazlur Rahman Khan revolutionized skyscraper design with his innovative tubular structural systems. Born in Dhaka, he earned advanced degrees in civil engineering at the University of Illinois. Khan joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where he led engineering on iconic projects like the 100-story John Hancock Center. He further advanced the field with the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower), then the world's tallest building. His work combined aesthetic elegance with structural efficiency, influencing modern high-rise construction. Khan received numerous awards, including the AIA Gold Medal and the IStructE Gold Medal.