April 30

Born in Paris in 1617, Eustache Le Sueur trained under Simon Vouet and became a leading painter of religious and mythological subjects. His delicate use of color and graceful compositions earned him acclaim among his contemporaries. Le Sueur was a founding member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture in 1648, helping to elevate the status of artists in France. His masterpiece cycle at the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont showcases his serene style and mastery of narrative painting. Although he died at the young age of 38, his works influenced generations of French classicists. Today, his paintings are celebrated in major museums for their refined beauty and historical significance.

François d'Agincourt was born in 1684 and became one of the foremost French organists of the Baroque era. He held prestigious positions as organist at various Parisian churches, including the Royal Chapel at Versailles. D'Agincourt composed numerous suites for harpsichord and organ pieces that exemplify the elegance and ornamentation of French Baroque style. His 'Pièces de Clavecin' remains admired for its expressive melodies and technical demands. Through his performances and teaching, he influenced a generation of French keyboard musicians. He died in 1758, leaving behind a catalog of music that continues to be studied and performed today.

Jean-Frédéric Waldeck began his career as a talented lithographer and set out on expeditions to Mexico and Central America to document archaeological sites. His dramatic illustrations of Maya and Aztec ruins captured the imagination of European audiences and sparked interest in pre-Columbian civilizations. Waldeck produced detailed maps and prints that blended artistic flair with topographical accuracy. Despite criticism over the authenticity of some of his depictions, his work contributed to the early study of Mesoamerican archaeology. He continued to travel, paint, and publish until his death in 1875, leaving behind a rich legacy of visual and geographic records.

Édouard Manet was born in 1832 in Paris and emerged as a leading figure in the 19th-century art world. Rejecting classical themes, he portrayed contemporary subjects with bold brushwork, shocking salons with his candid approach to the nude and urban life. His paintings 'Olympia' (1863) and 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' (1863) challenged artistic conventions and paved the way for the Impressionists. Manet exhibited regularly at the Salon but maintained close ties with avant-garde artists who admired his innovative techniques. He continued to experiment with light and color until his death in 1883, leaving a transformative influence on modern art.

Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield; 1913–1983) was a seminal figure in the development of electric blues. He moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1940s, pioneering a new amplified sound. His recordings of songs like “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “Hoochie Coochie Man” became blues standards. Waters led bands that inspired rock musicians such as the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 for his profound influence. His style and showmanship set the template for modern blues and rock performances.

Robert Stevenson (1905–1986) was an English film director, producer, and screenwriter celebrated for his prolific work in Hollywood. He directed beloved Disney films such as 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Absent-Minded Professor', earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Stevenson's versatility spanned genres from musicals to comedies and thrillers, showcasing his narrative craftsmanship. He began his career at Gainsborough Pictures before moving to the United States, where he became a key creative force behind Walt Disney Studios. His legacy endures in the timeless charm and technical innovation of his films.

Sergio Leone (1929–1989) was an Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for revolutionizing the Western genre. He crafted iconic films such as 'A Fistful of Dollars', 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly', and 'Once Upon a Time in the West', characterized by their stylistic cinematography and distinctive scores by Ennio Morricone. Leone's use of extreme close-ups, dramatic pacing, and operatic storytelling elevated the Spaghetti Western to international acclaim. He began his career assisting his father, a film director, and went on to influence countless filmmakers worldwide. His cinematic innovations continue to shape modern action and Western films.

Born in 1915, Evald Okas emerged as one of Estonia's leading painters of the 20th century. Throughout his career, he explored painting, drawing, and graphic art, blending realism with modernist techniques. He held exhibitions across Estonia and internationally, renowned for his bold use of color and expressive brushwork. During the Soviet era, Okas balanced creative expression with the prevailing artistic constraints of the time. He mentored younger artists and contributed to the revival of Estonian art after the country's independence. He remained active until his death in 2011, leaving a diverse body of work that continues to inspire.

Born in 1911, Ernesto Sabato earned a PhD in physics before shifting his focus to literature and art. He published his first novel, The Tunnel (1948), exploring existential themes and gaining international acclaim. His essays and critical works, including The Angel of Darkness, addressed political and moral questions in postwar Argentina. An accomplished painter, Sabato exhibited his artworks alongside his literary pursuits. In 1984, he was awarded the Miguel de Cervantes Prize for his lasting contributions to Spanish-language literature. He remained an influential intellectual figure in Latin America until his death in 2011.

Born in 1937, Roberto Chabet was a versatile artist working across painting, sculpture, and installation. He is often regarded as the father of Philippine conceptual art, leading the Experimental Visual Group in the 1970s. Chabet's work challenged traditional mediums, focusing on ideas and processes over tangible objects. He founded and taught at art institutions, mentoring generations of Filipino artists. His exhibitions were showcased in major galleries across Asia and Europe, earning critical acclaim. Chabet remained an influential figure in contemporary art until his death in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy.

Khaled Choudhury was an acclaimed Indian painter and set designer whose innovative aesthetics shaped modern Indian theatre. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he collaborated with leading dramatists to create evocative stage environments. His paintings, characterized by bold colors and geometric forms, were exhibited across India. Drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage, he seamlessly integrated folk motifs into his scenic designs. His work influenced generations of artists and designers in Bengali theatre. He remained active in the arts community until his retirement. His legacy endures in the vibrant visual language of Indian stagecraft.

Ben E. King was an American singer-songwriter and producer whose rich voice and emotive performances defined soul music. Rising to fame in the early 1960s, he co-wrote and recorded 'Stand by Me,' a timeless anthem that has endured across generations. As lead singer of The Drifters before launching a solo career, he delivered hits like 'Spanish Harlem' and 'Don't Play That Song (You Lied)'. He produced and collaborated with numerous artists, influencing R&B and pop music. King's music has been featured in countless films, commercials, and tribute albums. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to music. His legacy lives on through the enduring appeal of his recordings, which continue to inspire artists worldwide.