May 04

Born in 1757 in Valencia, Tolsá trained as an architect and sculptor in Spain before moving to New Spain.\nAppointed director of the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City in 1791, he shaped art education in colonial Mexico.\nTolsá designed the equestrian statue of King Charles IV, a landmark in the city.\nHe contributed to the completion of the Metropolitan Cathedral and urban planning projects.\nHis works reflect Neoclassical aesthetics and technical mastery in stone and bronze.\nTolsá died in 1816, leaving an enduring legacy in Mexican art and architecture.

Tyagaraja (1767–1847) is celebrated as one of the greatest composers in the Carnatic music tradition. Born in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, he composed hundreds of devotional songs (kritis) in praise of Lord Rama. His works are revered for their melodic beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual devotion. Tyagaraja is considered one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. His compositions remain central to South Indian classical music performances and continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

François Gérard (1770–1837) was a leading French painter in the Neoclassical style. A student of Jacques-Louis David, he became known for his refined and graceful portraits of European nobility. Gérard served as court painter to Napoleon Bonaparte, capturing iconic images like his famous portrait of Empress Joséphine. His work is characterized by its smooth finish, clear compositions, and attention to detail. He also painted mythological and historical scenes, contributing to the cultural legacy of the French Empire. His artworks continue to be celebrated and preserved in major museums worldwide.

Frederic Edwin Church was a central figure of the Hudson River School, known for his meticulous and dramatic landscapes. He achieved fame with paintings like Niagara Falls and Cotopaxi, which combined scientific accuracy with romantic intensity. Church traveled extensively to South America and the Arctic to study natural phenomena firsthand. His bold use of color and light helped define American landscape painting in the 19th century. He maintained a large studio and museum at Olana in New York, which remains a testament to his artistic vision.

Bianka Blume was a celebrated German soprano renowned for her rich timbre and dramatic presence. She performed leading roles at major opera houses across Germany and Austria, captivating audiences with interpretations of works by Mozart and Verdi. Blume's career spanned several decades, during which she earned critical acclaim for both her vocal artistry and stagecraft. She collaborated with prominent conductors and toured extensively, bringing opera to new audiences. Her recordings, though rare, preserve the elegance and power of her voice for posterity.

Thomas Dewing was an American artist associated with the Tonalist movement and the Boston School. He specialized in refined portraits of elegantly dressed women set against soft, atmospheric backgrounds. Dewing's work emphasized harmony of color and form, creating ethereal compositions that evoked introspection. He exhibited widely at the National Academy of Design and won numerous awards for his delicate technique. A respected teacher, Dewing influenced a generation of painters through his work at art schools in New York and Massachusetts. His legacy endures in museum collections across the United States.

Andrew Dasburg was a pioneering modernist artist whose work helped bridge European avant-garde styles and American Southwestern motifs. Born in France, he studied under Henri Matisse and Constantin Brâncuși in Paris before emigrating to the United States. Settling in Taos, New Mexico, Dasburg co-founded an art colony that attracted notable artists and writers. His cubist-inspired landscapes and abstractions captured the rugged beauty of the desert and mountains. Throughout his career, he taught at various art schools, influencing generations of American painters. Dasburg's legacy endures in museums that celebrate his role in American modernism.

Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945) was a pioneering Canadian painter and the youngest member of the Group of Seven. He captured the rugged beauty of Ontario's wilderness in bold watercolours and oil paintings. His work blended impressionistic techniques with a distinct Canadian sensibility, highlighting light and colour. As the Group's archivist and promoter, he helped elevate Canadian art on the world stage. He taught and inspired future artists with lectures and exhibitions across Canada. His legacy endures through public collections that showcase his serene and vibrant portrayal of nature.

Al Dexter (1905–1984) was an American country musician whose 1942 song 'Pistol Packin' Mama' became a breakout hit and wartime anthem. He combined honky-tonk vocals with distinctive rhythm guitar, influencing the western swing style. Dexter founded the Rambler record label, producing successful singles throughout the 1940s. He toured extensively, entertaining troops and popularizing country music across the United States. His work paved the way for future country artists and contributed to the genre's golden age. Dexter's songs remain classics, covered by generations of musicians.

Edo Murtić was a leading figure in Croatian abstract art after World War II. He studied art in Zagreb and Paris, where he absorbed influences from European modernism. His work is characterized by vibrant colors, gestural brushwork, and rhythmic patterns. He produced murals, paintings, sculptures, and illustrations over a career spanning six decades. Murtić exhibited widely across Europe and received numerous awards for his artistic innovation. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists in Croatia and beyond.

Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz musician renowned for his powerful trumpet playing. He gained fame with Stan Kenton's orchestra before forming his own big band in the 1950s. Ferguson led bands that blended jazz, rock, and funk, producing hits like 'Gonna Fly Now' from Rocky. He recorded over 60 albums and influenced generations of brass players with his virtuosic style. Known for his energetic stage presence, he toured extensively worldwide for decades. He also dedicated time to jazz education, conducting workshops and mentoring young musicians.

Born in 1937, Ron Carter studied cello before switching to double bass and attending the Eastman School of Music and Juilliard. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, contributing to groundbreaking albums like 'E.S.P.' and 'Miles Smiles'. Over his career, he has appeared on more than 2,200 recordings, making him one of the most recorded jazz bassists in history. Carter is also a dedicated educator, having taught at the City College of New York and conducted master classes worldwide. His innovative techniques and melodic approach have influenced generations of jazz musicians and bass players.