April 26

Born in 1538 in Milan, Lomazzo trained as a painter before turning to art theory and criticism. He contributed to the development of Mannerist aesthetics through his treatises, most notably the Idea del Tempio della Pittura. Lomazzo’s writings explored the relationships between color, form, and symbolism and influenced generations of artists across Italy. He worked in Milan and Venice, producing religious and allegorical paintings marked by refined design. Despite losing his sight late in life, his theoretical works solidified his reputation as a foundational scholar of Renaissance art. He died in 1600.

Born in 1697 in Großdalzig, Falckenhagen studied music at the University of Leipzig before joining the court at Bayreuth. He composed numerous suites and sonatas for the lute, showcasing intricate counterpoint and expressive melodies. His works were published in collections that circulated widely, influencing the development of lute repertoire in Germany. Falckenhagen’s style blended French elegance with German complexity, contributing to the instrument’s golden age. After a court appointment in Köthen, he continued to compose until his death in 1754. His surviving pieces remain cornerstones of Baroque lute music.

Born in Saint-Domingue to French parents, John James Audubon emigrated to the United States where he pursued his passion for wildlife art and ornithology. Over many years, he produced 'The Birds of America,' a compendium of life-size illustrations of 435 bird species rendered with scientific accuracy and artistic flair. Audubon's work involved extensive field observation, collecting specimens and sketches across wild American landscapes. His innovative watercolor techniques and dynamic compositions revolutionized natural history illustration. He later founded a natural history museum and served as the first president of the National Audubon Society. Audubon's legacy endures through conservation movements and the enduring popularity of his bird art.

Eugène Delacroix was a central figure of the French Romantic school, celebrated for his emotionally charged and dramatic paintings. His 1830 work 'Liberty Leading the People' became an emblem of revolutionary fervor and national pride. Delacroix traveled extensively to North Africa, drawing inspiration from Orientalist themes and exotic subjects. He was also a skilled lithographer and art critic, influencing generations of artists including the Impressionists. Delacroix served as director of the French School in Rome and received official recognition, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. His mastery of color theory and expressive brushwork marked a departure from classical conventions.

Edmund C. Tarbell was born in 1862 in Groton, Massachusetts. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later in Paris under Lefebvre and Gérôme. Tarbell became a founding member of the Ten American Painters in 1898. His luminous portraits and figure studies exemplified the Boston School's blend of Impressionism and academic technique. He taught at the Museum School for over 30 years, shaping generations of American artists. Tarbell's work remains celebrated for its refined handling of light and color.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela was born in 1865 in Pori, Finland. He studied art in Helsinki and Paris, absorbing influences from French Realism and Symbolism. Gallen-Kallela gained fame for his vivid paintings inspired by Finland's national epic, the Kalevala. He designed iconic works such as The Defense of the Sampo and frescoes for the Finnish pavilion at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Later in life, he experimented with Expressionist and Cubist styles during travels abroad. He is remembered as a central figure in Finnish national identity and art.

Ma Rainey was born Gertrude Pridgett in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. She began performing in minstrel shows and tent shows before recording in the 1920s. Rainey was among the first generation of blues singers to record, capturing raw emotion in her voice. Her powerful style and stage presence influenced later artists like Bessie Smith. She wrote many of her own songs and led a successful touring band. Known as the "Mother of the Blues," her legacy endures in American music history.

Oscar Rabin was born in Riga, Latvia in 1899 and emigrated to England as a young musician. He founded the Oscar Rabin Band in London's vibrant dance band era, blending smooth saxophone melodies with lively arrangements. Under his leadership, the orchestra became a staple of BBC radio broadcasts in the 1930s and 1940s. Rabin's distinctive sound helped shape the British dance band style and influenced subsequent generations of musicians. He continued performing and recording until his death in 1958, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of big band and jazz music.

Born in 1900, Eva Aschoff studied traditional bookbinding and calligraphy techniques, merging classical styles with modern design. She created bespoke bindings characterized by intricate patterns and harmonious typography. Aschoff's work was exhibited in prominent German art circles and influenced the revival of artisanal book arts in the mid-20th century. Her elegant approach to page layout and lettering inspired both publishers and collectors alike. She remained dedicated to her craft until her passing in 1969, leaving behind a rich portfolio of handcrafted volumes.

Born in 1905, Jean Vigo was the son of anarchist parents and developed a rebellious spirit reflected in his films. His debut feature, 'Zero for Conduct' (1933), challenged authority with its playful yet subversive tone. The following year he completed 'L'Atalante', now hailed as a masterpiece of early cinema for its lyrical narrative and innovative visuals. Vigo's work, produced in a brief career cut short by tuberculosis, profoundly influenced the French New Wave and filmmakers worldwide. He died in 1934 at the age of 29, leaving behind just four films but an enduring legacy in film history.

Born in 1910, Tomoyuki Tanaka began his career at Toho Studios, where he co-wrote and produced numerous science fiction and monster films. In 1954, he launched the iconic Godzilla series, crafting a cinematic icon that combined post-war anxieties with groundbreaking special effects. Tanaka supervised the production of over 20 entries in the franchise, influencing global popular culture and inspiring filmmakers worldwide. Beyond Godzilla, he championed innovative storytelling techniques and technical advancements in Japanese cinema. He passed away in 1997, leaving a monumental legacy as one of Japan's most influential film producers.

Eyvind Earle (1916–2000) was an American artist, author, and illustrator whose distinctive style defined the look of Disney's "Sleeping Beauty". Known for his use of bold colors, geometric forms, and atmospheric lighting, Earle created iconic background paintings that became hallmarks of mid-century animation. He authored several books on design and art, sharing his expertise with a global audience. Outside animation, Earle exhibited his landscape paintings in museums and galleries worldwide. His work bridged commercial art and fine art, leaving a lasting impact on visual storytelling. Earle's legacy continues to inspire animators and illustrators today.