March 28

Fra Bartolomeo (1472–1517) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance, recognized for blending religious themes with classical composition. He trained under Cosimo Rosselli in Florence and later joined the Dominican order, which influenced his devotional art. Bartolomeo's mastery of color and form is evident in works such as the Madonna and Child with Saints and his Last Judgment frescoes. His balanced compositions and clear modeling had a lasting impact on contemporaries like Raphael. Though his monastic life limited his output, his surviving works remain celebrated for their harmony and spiritual depth.

Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) was a Spanish noblewoman who became a Carmelite nun and a leading figure in the Counter-Reformation. Renowned for her mystical visions and contemplative writings, she founded the Discalced Carmelites alongside John of the Cross. Her works such as The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection remain classics of Christian spirituality, exploring stages of prayer and union with God. Teresa emphasized prayer as an intimate dialogue with the divine and championed reform within her order. Canonized in 1622, she became one of the first women declared a Doctor of the Church and is revered for her theological insight and spiritual legacy.

Albert Alcibiades (1522–1557), Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, was a bold and controversial figure of the Holy Roman Empire. Born into the House of Hohenzollern, he sought to expand his territories through daring military exploits known as the Second Margrave War. His aggressive tactics and shifting alliances drew both admiration and criticism as he challenged imperial authority and local princes. Despite early victories, his fortunes waned after defeat by Emperor Charles V's forces, leading to his exile. Known for his flamboyant personality and knightly ethos, Albert's legacy endures as a symbol of princely ambition and martial bravado in Renaissance Germany.

John Amos Comenius (1592–1670) was a Czech philosopher and theologian who is often called the Father of Modern Education. As a bishop of the Moravian Church, he sought to reform both religious practice and educational methods, promoting learning for all children regardless of class or gender. His educational treatise Didactica Magna introduced concepts such as structured curriculum and visual aids, laying foundations for modern pedagogy. Exiled during the Thirty Years' War, he lectured across Europe and influenced educational thinkers from Sweden to England. Comenius believed education should foster moral and intellectual development, earning him a lasting reputation as a pioneer of universal schooling and progressive teaching methods.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang (1613–1688), born Bumbutai of the Khorchin Mongol tribe, was a central figure in the establishment of Qing dynasty rule. As wife of the Shunzhi Emperor and mother of the Kangxi Emperor, she wielded significant influence at court. Known for her political acumen, she guided state affairs during her son's early reign, stabilizing the empire after civil wars. Xiaozhuang supported Confucian policies and patronized cultural projects, fostering harmony between Manchu rulers and Han Chinese subjects. Her diplomatic skills and strategic alliances helped the young Kangxi Emperor consolidate power and usher in the dynasty's golden age. She is remembered as one of the most respected women in Chinese history.

Frederik Ruysch (1638–1731) was a pioneering Dutch scientist and anatomist famous for his elaborate preservation techniques. Working in Amsterdam, he developed innovative methods using wax and glue to create lifelike anatomical specimens, which he displayed in his private museum. Ruysch's work advanced understanding of human and botanical anatomy, including the lymphatic system, earning him recognition by scientific academies across Europe. His macabre yet artistic exhibits attracted visitors from royalty to scholars, blending science and artistry. Ruysch also contributed to surgery and obstetrics through his detailed studies of the human body. His legacy influenced future generations of anatomists and remains a landmark in the history of medical visualization.

Samuel Sewall (1652–1730) was an influential colonial judge and businessman in Massachusetts Bay Colony. As a member of the court during the Salem witch trials of 1692, he played a key judicial role in the proceedings that led to the execution of accused witches. Decades later, he publicly apologized in 1697, making him one of the first to acknowledge the injustice of the trials. Beyond his judicial work, he was a successful merchant, printer, and author of one of the earliest American diaries, offering insights into colonial life. Sewall championed moral reform and contributed to early discussions on slavery and personal liberty. His candid reflections and apology have cemented his place in American legal and social history.

Andrew Kippis (1725–1795) was an English nonconformist minister, scholar, and prolific biographer. He served as a clergyman at various chapels while contributing to the Biographia Britannica with insightful lives of eminent British figures. Kippis emphasized rigorous scholarship and empirical research, pioneering a more critical approach to writing history. His separate biographies of figures such as Captain Cook displayed his narrative skill and commitment to accuracy. A supporter of religious toleration and education reform, he embodied Enlightenment ideals in both his sermons and writings. Kippis's scholarly dedication and literary style influenced the development of modern biography as a respected historical genre.

Maximilian III Joseph (1727–1777) was the Elector of Bavaria from 1745 until his death, notable for his enlightened governance during a period of European upheaval. Succeeding his father at a young age, he pursued administrative and judicial reforms, aiming to streamline the bureaucracy and encourage economic development. A patron of the arts and sciences, he supported musicians, architects, and scholars, contributing to Bavaria's cultural flourishing. Despite pressures during the Seven Years' War, he navigated complex alliances to preserve Bavarian sovereignty. His reforms laid groundwork for agricultural improvement and religious tolerance within his territories. Remembered as an enlightened absolutist, his reign marked a transition toward modern state administration in southern Germany.

Francisco de Miranda (1750–1816) was a Venezuelan military officer and pivotal precursor to the Latin American independence movements. Serving in the Spanish army and later the French Revolutionary forces, he gained valuable military experience and revolutionary ideals. Miranda envisioned a liberated Americas, undertaking expeditions to incite revolution in Venezuela and forging connections with leaders like George Washington. Although his 1806 expedition failed and he was captured, his efforts inspired future figures such as Simón Bolívar. He spent his final years imprisoned in Cádiz, dying in 1816, but his vision of independence endured. Miranda is celebrated as the Forerunner of South American Independence for shaping the philosophical and strategic foundations of the liberation struggles.

Born in 1760, Thomas Clarkson was an English abolitionist whose research and campaigning were instrumental in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807. He collected firsthand accounts of the horrors faced by enslaved Africans and presented them to Parliament and the public. Clarkson traveled across Britain gathering evidence and testimonials from sailors, merchants, and former slaves to build a compelling case against the trade. His work led to the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, alongside figures like William Wilberforce. He continued to fight for emancipation and human rights throughout his life, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of humanitarian reform.

Born in 1793, Henry Schoolcraft was an American geographer, geologist, and ethnologist whose work laid the foundation for the scientific study of Native American languages and customs. He led numerous expeditions across the Great Lakes region, mapping the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca in 1832. Schoolcraft married Jane Johnston, a woman of Ojibwe descent, and collaborated with her on linguistic research and folklore. His publications, including detailed maps and ethnographic accounts, influenced both policymakers and fellow scholars. As superintendent of Indian Affairs, he advocated for more humane government policies toward indigenous peoples, leaving a lasting impact on American anthropology and geography.