May 17

Born in Florence around 1445, Botticelli was trained under the painter Fra Filippo Lippi and became a leading artist of his time. He produced frescoes for the Sistine Chapel and created iconic works like The Birth of Venus and Primavera. His graceful figures and use of line influenced the aesthetic of the Florentine Renaissance. Despite declining patronage late in life, his work gained renewed admiration centuries later. He died in Florence in 1510, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most poetic painters.

Born in 1504 into a scholarly family, Shin Saimdang excelled in poetry, painting, and calligraphy from an early age. Her work combined delicate brushwork with lyrical expression, earning her a reputation among the Joseon literati. Married to the scholar Yi Won-su, she balanced household duties with artistic pursuits and raised seven children, including the renowned philosopher Yi I. She became a cultural icon, admired for her talent and moral integrity. Today, she is commemorated on the South Korean 50,000 won banknote as a symbol of wisdom and maternal devotion.

Born in 1570 in Catalonia, Pujol served as maestro de capilla at the Cathedral of Barcelona. He composed masses, motets, and villancicos that blended Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque styles. His works were performed in cathedrals across Spain and influenced later Spanish composers. Pujol’s music is noted for its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate counterpoint. His legacy endures in manuscripts preserved in Spanish archives and modern recordings of his sacred repertoire.

Picchi was born around 1571 and became a prominent musician at the Venetian School. He published collections of keyboard canzonas and dance music that anticipated later Baroque forms. His innovative keyboard works feature lively rhythms, chromaticism, and varied textures. Picchi also served as organist at St. Mark’s Basilica and taught keyboard performance to aspiring musicians. His surviving pieces offer valuable insights into Venetian instrumental music before Monteverdi’s era. He died in Venice in 1643, leaving a modest but influential body of work for keyboardists.

Born in Paris in 1719, Sedaine initially worked as a clerk before turning to writing for the stage. He authored librettos and plays that blended spoken dialogue with popular songs, helping to shape the opéra-comique genre. Collaborating with composers like Monsigny and Philidor, many of his works were performed in Parisian theatres. Sedaine’s realistic characters, vivid dialogue, and social commentary appealed to wide audiences. His influence extended to later dramatists like Beaumarchais and composers such as Grétry. He died in 1797, remembered as one of the founders of French comic opera.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio in 1859, Cass Gilbert studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He gained fame for designing the Woolworth Building in New York City, which was the world's tallest skyscraper upon its completion in 1913. Gilbert also designed the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., showcasing his mastery of neoclassical architecture. His work blended classical ornamentation with modern structural techniques, influencing the development of American skyscrapers. Throughout his career, he designed numerous civic and commercial buildings across the United States. He served as president of the American Institute of Architects from 1908 to 1910, shaping the direction of the profession. Gilbert's legacy endures in his iconic structures, many of which remain landmarks of early 20th-century America.

Born in Paris in 1865, Dukas studied at the Paris Conservatoire under luminaries such as César Franck. His meticulous approach to composition resulted in a small but influential body of work, highlighted by the orchestral tone poem 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'. Although he destroyed many of his own compositions, Dukas left behind highly polished pieces celebrated for their orchestration and structure. He served as a music critic for leading French journals, advocating for contemporary composers and solidifying his reputation as a cultural commentator. As a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, he mentored notable students like Olivier Messiaen, influencing future generations of composers. Dukas's dual legacy as composer and educator cemented his place among France's musical masters.

Ernest Nash was a pioneering German-American photographer and classical scholar specializing in architectural photography. Born in Hanover in 1898, he fled Nazi Germany and settled in Italy, where he founded the Photographic Archive of Classical Architecture in Rome. His meticulously composed photographs documented ancient ruins with unprecedented depth, becoming essential resources for archaeologists and historians. Nash published voluminous works showcasing his elegant imaging techniques and scholarly insights. His legacy endures through exhibitions and publications that preserve the visual heritage of classical antiquity.

Abe Burrows was a multifaceted American author, director, and composer who played a pivotal role in mid-20th century Broadway. He co-wrote the iconic musical "Guys and Dolls" and won a Tony Award for directing "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". Burrows began his career writing for radio before becoming a leading figure on Broadway, renowned for his sharp wit and engaging dialogue. In addition to his stage successes, he authored essays and books that showcased his versatile storytelling. His contributions helped define the Golden Age of American theater, and his works continue to influence writers and directors alike.

Lawrence Welk was an American musician, bandleader, and television personality celebrated for his smooth "champagne music" style. Born in North Dakota in 1903, he mastered the accordion and founded the Lawrence Welk Orchestra in the 1920s. His variety show, "The Lawrence Welk Show", aired nationally for over two decades, showcasing dancers, singers, and orchestral performances. Welk's wholesome, family-friendly entertainment introduced audiences to talents like the Lennon Sisters and became a cultural touchstone. He toured extensively with his orchestra, maintaining a nostalgic appeal throughout his career. Welk's contributions left an indelible mark on American music and television history.

Kevin Gilbert was a versatile American musician, songwriter, and record producer whose career spanned rock, pop, and funk genres. He co-founded the band Toy Matinee and released the critically acclaimed solo album "Thud" in 1995. Gilbert collaborated with artists like Sheryl Crow and Michael Jackson, contributing to high-profile projects in the 1980s and 1990s. His proficiency on multiple instruments and his innovative production techniques earned him accolades from peers and critics alike. A pioneer in digital recording, he embraced new studio technologies to craft distinctive sounds. Gilbert's untimely passing in 1996 curtailed a promising career, but his music continues to influence artists today.

Bruce Fairbairn was a distinguished Canadian trumpet player turned record producer who left a significant mark on modern rock music. He produced landmark albums for bands such as Bon Jovi ("Slippery When Wet"), Aerosmith ("Permanent Vacation"), and Van Halen ("Balance"). Fairbairn's production style blended polished arrangements with dynamic performances, driving massive commercial success. Beginning as a session musician, he transitioned to production in the late 1970s and quickly became one of the industry's most sought-after talents. His collaborative approach and ear for hit material made him a key figure behind some of rock's biggest records. Fairbairn's legacy endures through the enduring popularity of the albums he shaped before his passing in 1999.