April 15

Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446) was a seminal figure in early Renaissance architecture and engineering, best known for designing the dome of the Florence Cathedral. His innovative use of a herringbone brick pattern and a double-shell dome without external buttressing revolutionized construction techniques. Brunelleschi also developed one of the first linear perspective systems, influencing painting and architectural drawing. His work on projects like the Ospedale degli Innocenti and the Pazzi Chapel showcased his mastery of classical forms and harmony. Brunelleschi's blend of engineering ingenuity and artistic vision established the foundations for Renaissance architecture.

Rosalba Carriera, born in 1673 in Venice, was one of the first artists to popularize pastel painting as a serious art form. Trained in miniature painting and portraiture, she achieved international fame for her graceful depictions of European nobility and literary figures. Carriera’s soft color palette and refined technique influenced portrait artists across France and the German states, where she worked briefly at various courts. She was a member of the prestigious Accademia degli Incamminati in Milan and received commissions from royalty, including the Duke of Parma and Elector of Saxony. Beyond her portraits, Carriera produced allegorical and mythological subjects that showcased her versatility and creativity. Her career opened new doors for women artists in the 18th century, earning her a place among the leading female figures of the Rococo movement. She died in 1757, remembered as a trailblazer in pastel art.

Giuseppe Bonno, born in Vienna in 1711, was a prolific composer and musical director at the Habsburg court. He collaborated closely with the librettist Pietro Metastasio, setting many of his texts to music in operas and cantatas. Bonno held the position of Kapellmeister for the imperial court chapel and composed numerous sacred works, ballets, and secular cantatas. His music reflects the elegance and ornamentation characteristic of the late Baroque and early Classical styles. He mentored younger composers and helped shape musical taste in mid-18th century Austria. Bonno's compositions, though less known today, were celebrated for their melodic inventiveness and expressive depth.

Born in 1882, Aristarkh Lentulov was a leading figure in the Russian avant-garde art movement and a member of the influential Jack of Diamonds group. He studied in Paris, where he absorbed Cubist and Fauvist styles, and later merged these with traditional Russian iconography to create a unique visual language. Lentulov's stage designs for theater productions brought modern art into public performance spaces. His works, characterized by dynamic brushwork and luminous color, influenced generations of Soviet artists. He returned to Russia during the turbulent post-revolutionary period and continued to exhibit widely. He died in 1943, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of modern Russian art.

William Congdon was born in 1912 in Providence, Rhode Island, and studied at Yale University and the Art Students League of New York. After serving as an ambulance driver in World War II, he moved to Italy in 1947 and adopted its landscapes as the subject of his art. His paintings and sculptures are characterized by bold colors, dynamic brushwork, and a poetic use of light. Congdon exhibited widely across Europe and the United States, earning acclaim at venues such as the Venice Biennale. In later years, he explored religious and existential themes in his work, often depicting cathedrals and church interiors. His art bridged American abstraction and European modernism, influencing generations of artists. Congdon's legacy is preserved in major collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. He died in Venice on April 15, 1998, leaving behind a diverse oeuvre that continues to inspire.

Born in Chicago in 1925, Edward Gorey studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Harvard University. He created over 100 published works, often featuring Victorian and Edwardian settings populated by eccentric characters. His most famous book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, is a macabre alphabet book depicting the fates of 26 children. Gorey's distinctive pen-and-ink style influenced illustration and design, inspiring artists across genres. He worked in theater set design, contributing to Broadway and ballet productions. A reclusive figure, Gorey rarely gave interviews and was known for his dry wit and enigmatic persona. His work experienced a revival in the 1970s with the PBS series Mystery! and continues to enchant new audiences. He died in 2000, leaving behind a unique legacy of darkly humorous art.

Born Jeffrey Hyman in Queens, New York, in 1951, Joey Ramone co-founded the Ramones in 1974. His distinctive high-pitched vocals and minimalist style helped define punk rock's raw energy. The band's influential albums, such as Ramones (1976) and Rocket to Russia (1977), produced enduring anthems like Blitzkrieg Bop. Despite personal health struggles, Joey remained a relentless performer and toured extensively. He released a solo album, Don't Worry About Me, in 2002. Joey's legacy endures through his pioneering contributions to punk music and his impact on countless artists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Ramones in 2002. He died from lymphoma on April 15, 2001 in New York City.

Mitsuteru Yokoyama was born in Kobe, Japan, in 1934 and made his manga debut at just 18 years old. He created Tetsujin 28-go in 1956, laying the groundwork for the giant robot genre. Yokoyama followed with other influential works such as Giant Robo and Spider-Man: The Manga. His clean line style and imaginative storytelling captivated readers and inspired future generations of manga creators. His works were adapted into anime series, expanding their popularity worldwide. Yokoyama received the Shogakukan Manga Award for his contributions to the medium. His career spanned over five decades, during which he mentored numerous artists. He passed away on April 15, 2004, leaving an enduring impact on Japanese popular culture.

Brant Parker was born in Los Angeles in 1920 and studied art at the University of Southern California. After serving in World War II, he worked as an illustrator before collaborating with writer Johnny Hart. In 1964, they launched The Wizard of Id, which became a syndicated success known for its clever medieval humor. Parker's expressive linework and strong character designs brought the strip to life. He and Hart received the National Cartoonists Society's Humor Award for their work. Parker mentored young cartoonists and influenced the field of newspaper comics. He retired in the mid-1990s but remained involved as a consultant. Parker died on April 15, 2007, leaving a beloved legacy in comic art.

Born in 1928, Jean-François Paillard studied music at the Conservatoire de Paris before founding his own chamber ensemble in 1953. His Ensemble Jean-François Paillard gained international recognition for its spirited performances of Baroque repertoire, particularly works by Vivaldi and Rameau. Paillard's pioneering recordings of Vivaldi's Four Seasons helped spark the mid-20th-century early music revival. Over his career, he recorded more than 100 albums, bringing forgotten Baroque masterpieces to a wide audience. He also lectured and taught at French music institutions, influencing generations of musicians. Honoured by the French government for his cultural contributions, Paillard passed away in 2013, leaving an enduring discography beloved by classical enthusiasts.

Born in 1929 in Tuscany, Vittorio Taviani studied literature and history before embarking on a filmmaking career with his brother Paolo in the late 1950s. The Taviani brothers gained international acclaim when their film Padre Padrone won the Palme d'Or at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. Known for blending historical narratives with poetic realism, their collaborative works tackled themes of memory, politics, and social struggle. Taviani co-wrote and co-directed celebrated films such as Kaos (1984) and Caesar Must Die (2012), showcasing his talents both behind the camera and at the writing desk. Over five decades, he contributed to numerous feature films and documentaries that left a lasting mark on European cinema. He and his brother received many awards, including lifetime achievement honors at major international festivals. Vittorio Taviani passed away in 2018, leaving a legacy of artistic innovation and cinematic storytelling.

Born in Colne, Lancashire, in 1878, Hartley studied violin at Germany’s Elberfeld Conservatory. He served as bandmaster and led his ensemble aboard the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage. As the ship went down, his music provided solace, reportedly playing until the final moments. His recovered violin remains a poignant artifact symbolizing courage amid catastrophe. Hartley’s legacy endures in the power of music to bring calm in crisis.