May 12

Lucas Achtschellinck was born in 1626 in Brussels and became one of the foremost landscape painters of the Flemish Baroque. Influenced by Rubens and his contemporaries, he developed a distinct style marked by lush foliage and dramatic lighting. He received commissions from the Habsburg court, adorning palaces and churches with grand forest scenes. His work reflected both natural realism and allegorical undertones, capturing the grandeur of nature. Achtschellinck’s landscapes influenced a generation of European artists and remain prized in major collections. He died in 1699, leaving behind a legacy of monumental outdoor vistas.

Born in 1700 in Nancy, Lambert-Sigisbert Adam trained at the Académie de France in Rome before returning to Paris. He became a leading sculptor for the royal court, creating allegorical figures and grand fountains for Versailles. His works, such as the Fountain of the Dragon, showcased dramatic movement and intricate detail characteristic of the Baroque era. As a member of the Académie Royale, he influenced decorative arts across Europe. Adam’s mastery of marble and bronze contributed to the grandeur of French palace architecture. He died in 1759, leaving a lasting imprint on 18th-century sculpture.

Charles Simon Favart (1710–1792) was a French dramatist whose works helped define the opéra-comique genre. He authored and composed numerous light-hearted plays and musical pieces that resonated with audiences in Paris. Favart collaborated with leading theatres such as the Comédie-Italienne, blending witty dialogue with engaging melodies. His most famous works include 'La Chercheuse d'esprit' and 'Le Coq du village'. By integrating spoken dialogue with music, Favart influenced the development of French musical theatre. Favart's family continued his artistic legacy, with his wife and children also active in the performing arts. His innovations in theatrical composition left an enduring mark on European stagecraft.

Walenty Wańkowicz (1799–1842) was a Belarusian-Polish painter renowned for his expressive portraits and historic scenes. Educated at the Vilnius University art school, he embraced Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and individualism. His works often depicted literary and historical subjects, capturing the spirit of Polish national identity. Wańkowicz exhibited across Europe, earning acclaim for his delicate brushwork and vibrant use of color. He taught at art academies, influencing a generation of Eastern European artists. Despite his relatively short life, Wańkowicz left a lasting legacy in the Romantic art movement. His paintings remain prized in museum collections throughout Poland and Belarus.

Bedřich Smetana was a key figure in the Czech nationalist movement and one of the first composers to write in a distinctly Czech musical style. He gained international acclaim with his cycle of symphonic poems 'Má vlast', which includes the famous 'Vltava'. As a conductor and educator, he founded the Prague Conservatory, nurturing young Czech talents. Smetana's operas, such as 'The Bartered Bride', blended folk elements with classical forms, capturing the spirit of his homeland. Despite suffering from deafness later in life, he continued composing with remarkable determination. His innovative use of folk melodies and national themes helped inspire a generation of composers throughout Europe. Smetana’s music remains a cornerstone of Czech cultural identity.

Eugène Ysaÿe was widely celebrated as one of the greatest violinists of his era, earning the moniker 'The King of the Violin'. He premiered major works by composers such as César Franck and Ernest Chausson, and his own Six Sonatas for Solo Violin remain staples of the repertoire. As a conductor, Ysaÿe led orchestras in Brussels and Cincinnati, championing contemporary music. He founded the Ysaÿe Quartet, promoting chamber music throughout Europe. Ysaÿe’s expressive playing style and technical mastery influenced generations of violinists, including Joseph Szigeti and Andrés Segovia. His writings on violin technique and musical interpretation continue to guide performers and educators. Ysaÿe’s legacy endures through recordings and the lasting popularity of his compositions.

Jean Dubuffet was born in Le Havre, France in 1901. After serving in World War I, he began painting and developed a distinctive, raw style. In 1945, he coined the term Art Brut to describe art created outside traditional academic settings. Dubuffet's works often feature bold colors, unconventional materials, and childlike figures. He also experimented with sculpture and assemblage, challenging definitions of fine art. Dubuffet's influence is felt across contemporary art, advocating for creativity beyond established norms.

Nikos Gatsos was born in Asea, Arcadia in 1911. He studied law in Athens but devoted himself to poetry and lyric writing. Gatsos's landmark poem Evening Elegy and his lyrics for songs like The Blooming of a Rose became cultural touchstones. Collaborating with composers such as Manos Hadjidakis, his words were set to music across Greece. His work is celebrated for its evocative imagery, blending surrealism with Greek folk motifs. Gatsos remains a central figure in 20th-century Greek literature and music.

Saul Steinberg (1914–1999) was a Romanian-born American illustrator and cartoonist celebrated for his witty, thought-provoking artwork. He contributed more than 90 covers and hundreds of drawings to The New Yorker over nearly five decades, capturing the quirks of urban life and global politics. Steinberg's most famous piece, 'View of the World from 9th Avenue,' has become emblematic of Manhattan-centric perspectives. His multidisciplinary talents extended to sculpture, collage, and installations exhibited in major museums worldwide. His work combined humor, social commentary, and abstract design, influencing generations of artists and illustrators. Steinberg is remembered as one of the 20th century's most innovative graphic storytellers.

Perry Como (1912–2001) was a celebrated American crooner whose relaxed vocal style earned him millions of fans worldwide. Rising to fame in the 1940s, Como scored hits with songs like 'Catch a Falling Star' and 'Magic Moments' and became a staple on radio broadcasts. He successfully transitioned to television with 'The Perry Como Show,' which ran for more than a decade and showcased his warm on-screen presence. Como earned multiple Emmy Awards and Grammy nominations, cementing his status as an entertainment icon. Known for his gentlemanly demeanor and signature relaxed manner, he influenced future generations of singers and TV hosts. He continued performing and recording into his late eighties before passing away at age 88.

Born in Ankara in 1944, Ömer Kavur trained in film studies and began his career in Turkish cinema. He directed his first feature in the early 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his distinctive visual style. His films often explored themes of existential anxiety and human relationships with poetic narratives. In addition to directing, he wrote and produced many of his projects, giving him full creative control. Over four decades, he influenced a generation of Turkish filmmakers and left a lasting mark on national cinema.

Born in 1925 in Port Arthur, Texas, Robert Rauschenberg became a pioneer of the Neo-Dada movement. He introduced the concept of 'Combines,' artworks that blended painting and sculpture using found objects. His innovative approach challenged traditional boundaries between artistic media during the 1950s and 1960s. Rauschenberg received the International Grand Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1964. He collaborated with dancers, composers, and filmmakers, influencing generations of contemporary artists. His work is preserved in major museums worldwide, celebrating his enduring impact on modern art.