May 12

Born in 1606 in Frankfort, Joachim von Sandrart studied art in the Netherlands and Italy, absorbing the Baroque style. He balanced his career as a painter with scholarly pursuits, eventually publishing the 'Teutsche Academie' in 1675, a comprehensive biographical and critical work on European artists. His writings provide invaluable insights into 17th-century art practices and artist biographies. Sandrart also produced portraits and historical scenes that reflect Italianate influences. He died in 1688, leaving a lasting legacy in art historiography.

Born in 1700 in Naples, Luigi Vanvitelli studied under his father before training in Rome with renowned architects. In 1752, he was commissioned by Charles of Bourbon to design the Royal Palace of Caserta, drawing inspiration from Versailles and the Vatican. Vanvitelli also worked on the Royal Palace of Milan and various churches, showcasing his mastery of Baroque and early Neoclassical styles. He innovated hydraulic and heating systems in his buildings, integrating engineering with aesthetics. Vanvitelli’s designs greatly influenced European architecture until his death in 1773.

One of the most prolific composers of the late 18th century, Wanhal wrote over 100 symphonies and numerous chamber works. Born in Bohemia, he moved to Vienna around 1760 and quickly gained favor among aristocratic patrons. His music bridged the styles of the Baroque and Classical periods, influencing contemporaries like Mozart and Haydn. He also served as an organist and conductor, touring extensively across Europe. Despite his success, many of his works remained unpublished until after his death in 1813, cementing his legacy.

After studying law, Hoffmeister turned to music and became one of Vienna's leading composers in the 1780s. He wrote symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and marches celebrated for their melodic inventiveness. In 1785 he founded one of the first dedicated music publishing houses, issuing works by Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. His dual role as composer and publisher helped shape the distribution of Classical music across Europe. He retired to Leipzig in 1794 and continued to publish until his death in 1812, leaving a lasting imprint on the music business.

Viotti was celebrated for his virtuosic violin technique and expressive playing, influencing generations of violinists. After studying in Milan, he moved to Paris in 1782 and became premier violinist of the royal chapel. He composed 29 violin concertos that remain cornerstones of the repertoire, blending Italian lyricism with French refinement. As a teacher, he trained many students who carried his methods across Europe, shaping the future of violin playing. He also played a key role in establishing the Paris Conservatory and served at the court of King Louis XVI.

Edward Lear (1812-1888) was an English poet, artist, and illustrator. He popularized the limerick form with his Book of Nonsense series and pioneered literary nonsense. As a skilled ornithological illustrator, he created hundreds of detailed bird drawings for scientific publications. Lear traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, and India, capturing landscapes and cultures in his artworks and journals. His playful verses and humorous illustrations have influenced children's literature and continue to enchant audiences worldwide.

Adolf von Henselt (1814-1889) was a German pianist and composer of the Romantic period. Trained under Johann Nepomuk Hummel in Dresden, he gained acclaim for his poetic playing style. In 1841, he became court pianist to Tsar Nicholas I in St. Petersburg and later a professor at the Imperial Conservatory. Henselt composed piano works including études, concert études, and a piano concerto, noted for their lyrical melodies and technical challenges. His teaching and compositions influenced the development of piano technique in Russia and Europe.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) was an English artist, poet, and translator. He co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848, seeking to return to the rich color and detail of early Renaissance art. As a painter, he created evocative works combining medieval themes and romantic symbolism. His poetry, published in The Germ and later collections, explored love, beauty, and mythology with vivid imagery. Rossetti's art and verse influenced the Symbolist movement and left a lasting mark on Victorian culture.

Pavlos Carrer (1829-1896) was a Greek composer and educator, often regarded as a father of modern Greek opera. Born to an Italian family on the island of Corfu, he studied music and developed a passion for opera. He composed several operas in Italian and Greek, blending bel canto style with Greek folk melodies. Carrer taught music theory and composition, influencing a generation of Greek musicians. His works, including operas Marco Bozzari and Maria Antonietta, remain important in Greece's musical heritage.

Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was a leading composer of French opera during the Romantic era. He produced over thirty operas, including enduring masterpieces like Manon (1884) and Werther (1892). Massenet served on the faculty of the Paris Conservatoire, mentoring composers like Gustave Charpentier. His music is celebrated for its melodic richness, elegant orchestration, and emotional depth. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur and remains one of France's most performed opera composers.

Gabriel Fauré is regarded as one of the most influential French composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and won top prizes for piano and organ. His works, including the Requiem, Pavane, and nocturnes for piano, showcase his refined melodic style and innovative harmonic language. Fauré taught at the Paris Conservatoire and later served as its director, mentoring a generation of composers such as Maurice Ravel. His music bridged the gap between Romanticism and modernism and influenced composers like Debussy and Messiaen. He continued composing and teaching until his death in 1924, leaving a legacy of chamber music, solo piano works, and choral compositions.

Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was born in 1863 in Bengal and became a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance. He founded a printing press and introduced innovative photolithographic techniques to Indian publishing. As a writer, he created beloved children’s stories and fairy tales that remain popular in Bengal. A talented artist, he illustrated his own works and composed music for the violin. He also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, promoting modern printing technology in India. His legacy continued through his son, Sukumar Ray, and grandson, Satyajit Ray, both of whom became celebrated artists. Upendrakishore died in 1915 but left an enduring impact on literature, art, and printing in India.