April 12

Born in 1484 in Florence, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger was part of a renowned family of architects and engineers. He trained under his uncle Giuliano da Sangallo and developed a reputation for innovative structural designs and military fortifications. In Rome, he became chief architect of the Apostolic Palace under Pope Leo X and contributed significant plans to the ongoing construction of St. Peter's Basilica after Bramante's death. His refined approach to classical forms influenced subsequent architects, including Michelangelo. Sangallo also designed civic buildings and defensive works that combined aesthetic grace with practicality. He died in 1546, leaving drawings and treatises that inspired future generations of architects.

Simone Cantarini was an Italian Baroque painter and engraver born in Pesaro. He trained under Guido Reni in Bologna and developed a distinctive style characterized by graceful figures and dramatic lighting. Cantarini produced both paintings and etchings, focusing on religious and mythological subjects. His work was admired for its elegance and emotional depth, influencing later artists in the Bolognese school. Despite his talent, he struggled with financial difficulties and personal conflicts. He died at a young age in Verona, leaving a legacy of refined Baroque art that continues to be studied and admired.

Gaetano Majorano, known as Caffarelli, was one of the most celebrated Italian opera singers of the 18th century. Born in Martino di Foggia, he trained under the castrato Giovanni Pollarolo and debuted in opera in Naples. Caffarelli’s robust vocal range and expressive delivery earned him leading roles across Europe, including in the works of Hasse and Pergolesi. He was admired for his dynamic acting and virtuosic ornamentation, influencing evolving operatic conventions. Caffarelli’s career spanned decades and attracted patronage from royalty and nobility. Despite the demands of castration, he retained health and vigor on stage. He died in Naples in 1783 as a legend of Baroque opera.

Felice Giardini was an Italian violinist and composer born in Turin. He gained fame as a child prodigy and later settled in London as concertmaster and music teacher. Giardini composed numerous violin concertos, string quartets, and chamber works characterized by graceful melodies and refined style. His operatic and sacred music also achieved success on the European stage. He published a violin method that influenced generations of students. Giardini collaborated with major patrons, including Lord Bute, and toured extensively across Europe. He died in Milan in 1796, remembered for his contributions to Classical-era music.

Pietro Nardini was an Italian violinist and composer born in Livorno. A pupil of Giuseppe Tartini, he developed a lyrical playing style and elegant technique. Nardini served as court musician and later vice maestro di capella in Florence under the patronage of the Lorraine Grand Dukes. He composed sonatas, concertos, and cantatas that blended Baroque expressiveness with early Classical clarity. Nardini toured Europe, performing in Germany, Austria, and France, and earned acclaim for his refined interpretations. He was a sought-after teacher whose pupils included famous violinists of the next generation. Nardini died in Florence in 1793, leaving a lasting influence on violin repertoire and pedagogy.

Joseph Lanner (1801–1843) was an Austrian composer and one of the pioneers of the Viennese waltz. He led a successful dance orchestra in Vienna, influencing the development of light dance music in the 19th century. Lanner composed over 250 waltzes, polkas, and other dance pieces, many of which remain in the classical repertoire. His innovative orchestration and rhythmic vitality laid the groundwork for the later achievements of the Strausses. Lanner's concerts at the 'Zum Sperl' ballroom became famed social events for Vienna's musical society. Despite his early death, he left a lasting impact on the evolution of European dance music.

Gustaf Cederström (1845–1933) was a Swedish painter renowned for his grand historical canvases. His most famous work, 'Bringing Home the Body of King Charles XII', earned him international acclaim. Cederström studied art in Düsseldorf and Munich, absorbing the academic painting traditions of the time. He created numerous portraits, battle scenes, and genre paintings reflecting Swedish history and culture. As a professor and later director at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, he influenced generations of artists. Cederström's carefully researched compositions remain celebrated for their historical authenticity and detail.

Imogen Cunningham was a pioneering American photographer whose career spanned more than seven decades. She gained fame for her detailed botanical studies, striking nudes, and insightful portrait work. Cunningham was a founding member of Group f/64, championing the modernist approach to sharp-focus photography. Her exploration of industrial landscapes and the female form challenged traditional artistic boundaries. She taught at the California School of Fine Arts, mentoring generations of photographers. Throughout her life, Cunningham's work was exhibited worldwide and earned numerous accolades. Her legacy continues to influence photographers and visual artists around the globe.

Robert Delaunay was a French avant-garde painter and a pioneer of the Orphism art movement. His work is celebrated for its bold use of color, dynamic geometric forms, and exploration of light and movement. Delaunay's series 'Windows' and 'Eiffel Tower' highlight his innovative approach to abstraction. He collaborated with artists like Fernand Léger and his wife Sonia Delaunay, advancing modernist theory. Exhibiting across Europe, he influenced the trajectory of 20th-century art through his color theories. Despite the turmoil of two world wars, he continued to evolve his style until his death in 1941.

Henry Darger was a solitary hospital janitor whose vast artwork was discovered only after his death. He authored a 15,000-page illustrated fantasy manuscript titled 'The Story of the Vivian Girls.' Darger's watercolors and collages feature vivid portrayals of children, mythical battles, and utopian landscapes. Though unrecognized in his lifetime, his work later became influential in the outsider art movement. He drew inspiration from newspapers, magazines, and found images, creating a unique visual narrative. Darger is celebrated for his imaginative world-building and profound impact on contemporary art.

Born Juliette Pons in 1898 in Montfort-sur-Meu, France, Lily Pons studied at the Conservatoire de Paris before making her debut in Nice. She became a star at the Metropolitan Opera, captivating audiences with her dazzling coloratura technique in roles like Lucia and Lakmé. Pons crossed over to Hollywood, appearing in musicals that showcased her vocal range and charisma. Her recordings and radio broadcasts helped popularize opera in America. Beyond performance, she authored books on vocal technique and mentored young singers. Pons retired from the stage in the 1950s but remained active in cultural circles until her death in 1976.

Franklin Felice de Weldon was born in Vienna in 1907 and trained at the Academy of Fine Arts before emigrating to the United States. He produced numerous public monuments and portrait busts, but his most famous work is the Marine Corps War Memorial, unveiled in 1954. This iconic sculpture captures the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima and symbolizes Marine Corps valor. De Weldon also taught sculpture and authored books on artistic techniques. His career spanned over six decades, during which he executed commissions worldwide. He received multiple honors, including awards from the American Academy and national governments. He died in 2003, leaving a monumental legacy in public art.