May 21

Albrecht Dürer was a leading figure of the Northern Renaissance. He revolutionized printmaking with highly detailed engravings and woodcuts. Dürer authored influential treatises on geometry, perspective, and human proportion. His works, including 'Melencolia I' and the 'Apocalypse' series, remain iconic. He combined German craftsmanship with Italian artistic ideas, bridging cultures. Dürer's legacy shaped European art for centuries and inspires artists today.

Rudolf Koller was a leading 19th-century Swiss painter known for his masterful animal portraits and dramatic mountain scenes. Born in Zurich, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and traveled widely to capture the majesty of the Swiss Alps. Koller's most famous work, 'Gotthard Mail Coach,' epitomizes his ability to combine dynamic composition with attention to detail. His paintings reflect both scientific observation and romantic sensibility, earning him acclaim across Europe. Koller helped establish Swiss national identity through art and influenced subsequent generations of artists.

Henri Rousseau, nicknamed 'Le Douanier' for his former job as a customs officer, was a self-taught French painter celebrated for his dreamlike jungle landscapes. He began exhibiting at the Salon des Indépendants in Paris, where his bold colors and imaginative scenes drew both admiration and satire. Though rejected by the establishment, Rousseau’s work influenced later avant-garde movements, including Surrealism. His paintings combine botanical accuracy with fantastical elements, creating a unique poetic vision. Today, Rousseau is recognized as a pioneer of modern art and a master of the naïve style.

Édouard-Henri Avril was a French painter and illustrator renowned for his finely detailed engravings and erotic art under the pseudonym Paul Avril. He contributed illustrations to editions of classical and literary works, blending academic technique with sensuous themes. Avril’s work appeared in private printings, revealing a discreet yet prolific career. He also produced travel illustrations and portraits, showcasing versatility across genres. His legacy lives on in rare collections of erotic illustration and his influence on the art of bookmaking.

John McLaughlin was an American painter active in the mid-20th century, recognized as a pioneer of Hard-Edge abstract art. His precise geometric compositions and muted color palettes influenced the minimalist movement. Beyond painting, McLaughlin translated key Chinese philosophical and art theory texts, helping to bridge Eastern and Western thought. His works were exhibited in major galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. McLaughlin is celebrated for his dual legacy as both an artist and a cultural translator.

Horace Heidt was a self-taught pianist who rose to fame in the 1930s as the leader of 'Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights.' He hosted the radio program 'Pot o' Gold,' one of the first big giveaway shows in American radio history. Heidt later transitioned to television with programs like 'The Original Youth Opportunity Program,' showcasing new talent. Known for discovering and promoting future stars such as Frances Langford, he played a pivotal role in the entertainment industry. His energetic performances and knack for audience engagement made him a household name during the swing era.

Thomas 'Fats' Waller was born in New York City and displayed musical talent from a young age, studying classical piano and organ. He emerged in the late 1920s as a leading figure in the Harlem stride piano style, captivating audiences with his virtuosic performances. Waller wrote enduring standards such as 'Ain't Misbehavin'' and 'Honeysuckle Rose,' which remain jazz favorites. He toured extensively, recorded hundreds of songs, and appeared in early talking pictures, showcasing his charismatic stage presence. Known for his humor and showmanship, Waller influenced generations of jazz musicians. His sudden death in 1943 at the age of 39 cut short a remarkable career, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and compositions.

Chen Dayu was born in Guangdong province and studied traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy from an early age. He developed a distinctive style blending classical technique with modern sensibility, particularly in his bird-and-flower paintings. Over a career spanning six decades, Chen held numerous exhibitions in China and abroad, earning acclaim for his fluid brushwork and elegant compositions. He also excelled in seal carving and poetry, making him a respected scholar-artist. Chen's commitment to preserving and revitalizing Chinese ink traditions garnered him leadership roles in national art associations. His works remain highly sought after by collectors and art institutions. He passed away in 2001, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Born in Athens, she trained at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik and won international acclaim in the 1930s. She performed with leading orchestras across Europe and North America, earning praise for her interpretations of Romantic repertoire. Bachauer's recordings brought her widespread recognition, and she championed contemporary composers by premiering new works. Her legacy continues through the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, established in her honor. She is remembered as one of the great pianists of the 20th century.

Born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty, he gained fame as the boyish tenor voice on The Jack Benny Program starting in 1939. Day recorded popular songs, made appearances in films, and performed on Broadway, showcasing his versatile talents. His warm vocal style and comic timing endeared him to audiences over several decades. In addition to radio, he starred in television series and toured in musical revues. He left a lasting impact on American entertainment before his untimely death in 1988.

Bill Barber was the first modern jazz tuba player, featured on Miles Davis's Birth of the Cool sessions. He contributed to groundbreaking ensembles such as the Dave Brubeck Octet, blending classical training with jazz improvisation. Barber recorded with leading artists and performed at major jazz festivals worldwide. He later taught at the New England Conservatory, nurturing a new generation of brass musicians. His innovative approach expanded the role of the tuba in jazz and inspired countless instrumentalists.

Vernon Biever (1923–2010) served as the official photographer for the Green Bay Packers for over five decades. He captured iconic images of games, players, and team celebrations, chronicling the franchise's rise to NFL prominence. Biever's work appeared in numerous sports publications and books, helping to shape the visual history of professional football. His candid and action shots provided fans with an intimate view of the sport. Biever's photographs remain a treasured record of the Packers' storied legacy.