April 07

Born in Schaffhausen, Stimmer trained in Strasbourg and Basel, mastering portraiture and religious scenes. He produced illustrations for literary and scientific works, including commentaries on classical texts. His frescoes decorated noble residences across Switzerland, blending Renaissance motifs with local traditions. Stimmer's woodcuts displayed exceptional detail, influencing printmaking in German-speaking regions. His body of work contributed to the visual culture of the Swiss Reformation era.

A gifted pupil of Rembrandt in Leiden, Dou developed a meticulous painting technique using tiny brushes and fine glazes. He specialized in candlelit scenes, scholars in studios, and everyday domestic interiors. His attention to texture and light created lifelike representations that captivated collectors. Dou's work established Leiden as a center for fijnschilders (fine painters). He taught numerous pupils, spreading the style throughout the Netherlands. His paintings remain celebrated for their precision and charm.

Born in Tocco da Casauria, Sala studied at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo in Naples. He later became maestro di cappella at the Naples Cathedral. His theoretical works, including treatises on counterpoint and fugue, were widely used in conservatories. As a teacher, he influenced generations of Italian composers. Sala also composed sacred music, operas, and instrumental pieces. His blend of composition and scholarship made him a key figure in 18th-century Neapolitan music.

Born in Venice in 1763, Domenico Dragonetti revolutionized double bass performance with unparalleled technique and musicality. He moved to London in 1794, where his collaborations with composers like Rossini and his solo performances gained widespread acclaim. Dragonetti published numerous compositions and arrangements for bass, expanding its repertoire. His teaching influenced generations of bassists. Recognized for elevating the double bass to a solo instrument, he died in London in 1846.

Frederick Carl Frieseke was born in Owosso, Michigan, in 1874 to German immigrant parents. He studied at Columbia University and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris before settling in Giverny. Frieseke became part of the American Impressionist colony, painting intimate scenes flooded with light. His work was exhibited at the Paris Salon and he was awarded the Légion d'Honneur in 1932. He died in 1939, remembered for his vibrant use of color and delicate brushwork.

Gino Severini was an influential Italian-French painter and author who played a pivotal role in the early 20th-century Futurist movement. Born in Cortona, he moved to Paris where he collaborated with key Futurist figures like Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. Severini's work blended Cubist techniques with the dynamic energy of Futurism, exploring themes of modern urban life and movement. In the 1920s, he transitioned to a more classical style, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of artistic traditions. As an author and art critic, he documented the evolution of modern art and contributed insightful essays on aesthetics. Severini's legacy endures in both his vibrant canvases and his writings on art history.

Born in 1893, Almada Negreiros became a central figure in Portugal's modernist movement. He excelled as a painter, illustrator, writer, and scenographer, breaking conventions with his bold style. A founding member of the Orpheu group, his works blended cubism, futurism, and satire to critique Portuguese society. He published influential essays and poetry, and designed iconic stage sets for theatrical productions. His multidisciplinary legacy inspired generations of artists and cemented his place as a pioneer of 20th-century Portuguese art.

Born in 1895, Flannagan served in the U.S. Army during World War I before turning to art. He became the first American sculptor to champion direct carving, carving stone and wood without models or maquettes. His animal and natural motifs, rendered in raw materials, broke from academic traditions and influenced modern sculpture. Despite personal struggles, his work found recognition in public art programs during the Great Depression. Flannagan's innovative approach left a lasting impact on 20th-century American sculpture.

Born in 1896, Peutz studied architecture in Delft before establishing his practice in Limburg. His Glaspaleis (1935) captured international attention as an early example of transparent, open-plan commercial architecture. Peutz's work embraced functionalism, combining sleek lines with innovative use of materials like glass and reinforced concrete. He designed public buildings, churches, and private residences, leaving a diverse portfolio across the Netherlands. Peutz's visionary style influenced post-war modern architecture and remains celebrated for its bold clarity.

Born in 1899, Casadesus showed musical talent early and studied at the Conservatoire de Paris. He won international acclaim for his elegant, refined performances of Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy works. Casadesus toured extensively across Europe and America, earning praise for his clarity of touch and poetic phrasing. As a composer, he created piano concertos, chamber music, and film scores, blending classical traditions with modern sensibilities. His recordings remain benchmarks for 20th-century French piano performance.

Born in 1908, Percy Faith became renowned for his distinctive orchestral pop arrangements. He achieved international fame with his 1960 hit 'Theme from A Summer Place,' which topped the charts for nine weeks. Faith's career spanned radio, film, and television, where his music provided a graceful backdrop. He signed with Columbia Records, producing over 50 albums that blended strings and brass for a smooth sound. He died in 1976, leaving behind a legacy of memorable melodies and innovative orchestration.

Ralph Flanagan was a prominent American pianist, composer, and conductor who led one of the most popular big bands of the post-war era. His orchestra scored numerous charting hits, including "Hot Toddy" and "The Mambo Inn". Flanagan's smooth arrangements and danceable rhythms revitalized the American dance band scene in the late 1940s. He worked with top vocalists and arrangers, blending swing traditions with modern stylings. Throughout his career, he toured extensively across the United States and Europe, earning acclaim for his energetic live performances. Flanagan also composed original works and contributed to film and radio broadcasts, leaving a lasting legacy in mid-century popular music.