April 11

Born in Silesia, Strobel trained in Prague and traveled to Italy, absorbing Venetian colorism and dramatic lighting. He served patrons at the Polish-Lithuanian court and painted grand allegorical feasts celebrating noble families. His most famous work, 'The Banquet of Cleopatra and Mark Antony,' showcases sumptuous detail and theatrical composition. Strobel's portraits capture the fashions and personalities of 17th-century European elite. His style blends Italianate influences with Northern realism, making his art unique among Silesian painters. He continued working through the Thirty Years' War and died in Frankfort in 1650.

Jean-Joseph Mouret was a leading figure in French Baroque music and served as conductor at the Académie Royale de Musique. He composed numerous operas, divertissements, and chamber works that showcased elegant melodies and rich orchestration. His best-known piece, the Rondeau from Suite de Symphonies, later gained fame as the theme for the television series Masterpiece Theatre. Mouret’s music was admired for its refined style and theatrical flair. He mentored younger composers and contributed to the development of French opera in the early 18th century. His compositions remain a testament to the elegance of the Baroque era.

John Alcock held prestigious organist positions at Lichfield Cathedral and St Martin-in-the-Fields during the 18th century. He published influential works such as his Six Concertos in Eight Parts and various suites for church performance. Alcock also contributed pedagogical pieces that guided students in keyboard technique and composition. His music blended Italianate style with English traditions, earning him respect among contemporaries. He remained active in London’s musical circles and influenced the development of sacred music. Alcock’s works continue to be performed by organists exploring early classical repertoire.

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard was one of the first women admitted to the prestigious Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1783. She earned acclaim for her finely detailed miniatures and large-scale portraits of the French aristocracy, including members of the royal family. Labille-Guiard advocated for greater recognition of women artists and mentored protégées such as Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. Her salon exhibitions highlighted her technical skill with pastels and oils, capturing both likeness and elegance. During the turbulent years leading to the French Revolution, she navigated political upheaval while maintaining her artistic practice. Her work remains celebrated for its sensitivity and refined execution.

Charles Hallé (1819–1895) was a German-born pianist and conductor renowned for his contributions to British musical life. He founded the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester in 1858, which became a cornerstone of British orchestral music. Hallé studied in Paris and London, bringing continental repertoire to English audiences. His dedication to performance and music education helped establish orchestral standards in Victorian Britain. His legacy endures in the continued success of the Hallé Orchestra as one of the UK's leading ensembles.

Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) was a celebrated Norwegian sculptor whose works define the Oslo Sculpture Park. He sculpted more than 200 pieces of bronze, granite, and wrought iron, exploring themes of human life. Vigeland personally designed the Nobel Peace Prize medal in 1901, a symbol of international harmony. His monumental monolith and bridge in Frogner Park attract millions of visitors yearly. He trained in Germany and France before returning to Norway to develop his unique artistic vision. Vigeland's legacy endures as one of Scandinavia’s most influential sculptors.

Paul Henry (1876–1958) was a leading Irish painter whose works captured the rugged beauty of the West. He co-founded the Society of Dublin Painters, promoting modern art in Ireland. Henry's simplified forms and muted palettes highlighted the region’s distinctive light and landscape. His iconic paintings of Connemara and Achill Island became emblematic of Ireland’s visual identity. He studied art in London and Paris, blending Impressionist influences with local themes. Henry's art continues to inspire appreciation for Ireland’s natural heritage.

Jamini Roy was a pioneering Indian artist born in 1887 in West Bengal. Dissatisfied with academic art, he embraced the simplicity of rural folk painting and Kalighat styles. His use of bold lines and vibrant colors captured Indian mythological and everyday themes. Over his career he produced a prolific body of work that celebrated indigenous art forms. Roy's paintings gained international acclaim, influencing modern Indian art movements. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1955 for his contributions to art. His legacy endures in galleries and collections worldwide.

Kundan Lal Saigal was born in 1904 in Jammu in British India. He began his career singing ghazals and devotional music before moving to Bombay to act in films. Saigal starred in classics like Devdas (1935) and won acclaim for his emotive singing style. His deep, resonant voice set a new standard for playback singing in Indian cinema. Saigal's performances combined musical talent with dramatic intensity, making him a beloved figure. Despite his early death in 1947, his songs remain popular and influential. Saigal is remembered as a pioneer who shaped the golden era of Hindi film music.

Dale Messick was born Dalia Messick in 1906 in South Bend, Indiana. She studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and worked as a fashion illustrator before turning to comics. In 1940 she launched Brenda Starr, Reporter, featuring a daring journalist and adventurous storylines. Messick became one of the first successful female cartoonists in a male-dominated industry. Her strip ran in hundreds of newspapers for decades and inspired adaptations in film and television. Messick's innovative work broke gender barriers and paved the way for women in comics. She continued drawing Brenda Starr until retiring in the 1980s, leaving a lasting legacy upon her death in 2005.

John Levy began his career as a jazz double bassist, playing with legends such as Nat King Cole and Nancy Wilson. In 1960, he founded the John Levy Agency, becoming one of the first African American talent managers in the music industry. Under his management, artists like Ramsey Lewis and Betty Carter achieved international success. Levy advocated for fair contracts and professional representation for musicians, setting new industry standards. He served as president of the National Association of Talent Agents, influencing management practices. Levy's dual talents as a musician and entrepreneur reshaped the business side of jazz. He died in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in both performance and artist management.

Oleg Cassini gained fame as the official designer for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, creating her iconic wardrobe. Born to Russian noble parents in Italy, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before pursuing fashion. Cassini launched his own label in New York, merging European sophistication with American practicality. His designs appeared on Hollywood stars and on the covers of leading fashion magazines. He later expanded into perfumes, jewelry, and home decor, building a global fashion empire. Cassini's timeless elegance and innovative approach influenced generations of designers. He died in 2006, remembered as a pioneer of American couture.