May 22

Itzam K'an Ahk I ascended the throne in 652 and ruled until his death in 686. During his reign, he commissioned major building projects including temples and palaces that demonstrated Ucanal's architectural prowess. He strengthened alliances with neighboring city-states through strategic marriages and tribute networks. Inscriptions from his rule celebrate both his military achievements and religious ceremonies dedicated to the Maya pantheon. His legacy provides key insights into the political and cultural life of the Late Classic Period in the Maya region.

Born in 1009, Su Xun became an influential literary figure of the Northern Song period. He pioneered a bold essay style that challenged prevailing norms and advocated for practical governance. Su Xun's writings emphasized moral integrity and clear expression, influencing generations of scholars. He is also remembered as the father of the Three Su, a celebrated group of writers including his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe. His collected works remain a cornerstone of classical Chinese literature and rhetoric studies.

Born in 1408 in present-day Andhra Pradesh, Annamacharya composed over 32,000 keertanas extolling Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati. His songs blended rich Telugu poetry with deep spiritual devotion, laying the foundation for South Indian classical music traditions. He is revered as the Grand Composer of Telugu and a key figure in the Bhakti movement. Many of his compositions have been preserved in manuscripts and continue to be performed by musicians worldwide. His legacy endures through annual festivals and musical recitals dedicated to his works.

Born in 1539, Edward Seymour was the son of the Lord Protector of England, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset. He held key diplomatic roles under Queen Elizabeth I, including ambassador to France and Spain. Seymour navigated complex international politics during the Anglo-French Wars and the threat of Spanish invasion. He also managed extensive estates and contributed to the architectural development of his properties. His correspondence offers valuable insights into Elizabethan statecraft and courtly life.

Born in 1622, Frontenac began his career as an officer in the French army before being appointed Governor General of New France in 1672. He served two terms, defending the colony against Iroquois incursions and expanding fur trade networks. Frontenac fortified Quebec and Montreal, overseeing military and civic infrastructure projects. He often clashed with colonial officials over governance but earned respect for his leadership in wartime. His tenure significantly shaped the development and defense of early Canada.

Born in 1644 in Peer, present-day Belgium, Grupello trained under Pieter Verbrugghen in Antwerp. He became court sculptor to the Duke of Parma and later to the Elector of Bavaria in Munich. His sculptures are noted for their energetic compositions, intricate drapery, and emotive expressions. Major works include altarpieces in European churches and allegorical statues in royal palaces. Grupello's blend of Flemish detail and Italianate grandeur influenced the spread of Baroque sculpture across Europe.

Born circa 1650 in Haarlem, Brakenburgh was a pupil of the genre painter Hendrik Martenszoon Sorgh. He specialized in depicting everyday life, including peasants' feasts, card players, and musical gatherings. His work often captured warm lighting and jovial atmosphere, drawing influence from Adriaen van Ostade and Jan Steen. Brakenburgh's paintings were collected throughout Europe for their craftsmanship and storytelling. His legacy contributed to the popularity of domestic genre painting in the late 17th century.

Born in 1665 into the noble Stenbock family, he rose through the ranks of the Swedish army with distinction. As commander of the allied Swedish forces, he secured a decisive victory at Gadebusch in 1712 against Danish and Saxon troops. Stenbock also served as a Royal Councillor and held governorships in Scania, where he defended the region against invasions. After his capture by Danish forces in 1713, he spent over a decade in Copenhagen prison. He documented his experiences and remained a celebrated military figure in Swedish history.

Born in Vienna in 1694, Gran studied in Italy and absorbed the influences of Venetian and Roman masters. He became court painter to the Habsburgs and produced major commissions for the imperial court and monasteries. His frescoes feature vibrant colors, elegant figures, and theatrical compositions that epitomize Austrian Rococo. Notable works include ceiling frescoes at Melk Abbey and St. Florian Monastery. Gran's style helped define the visual identity of ecclesiastical and secular art in 18th-century Austria.

Born in 1715 near Agen, Bernis embarked on a diplomatic career that saw him serve as ambassador to Venice and Rome. He negotiated key alliances and was instrumental in secret peace talks during the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1747, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XIV but continued to serve French interests in the Vatican. Bernis also patronized the arts and corresponded with leading intellectuals of the Enlightenment. His memoirs and letters provide insight into the complexities of 18th-century European politics and church-state relations.

Hubert Robert (1733–1808) was a celebrated French painter noted for his dramatic landscapes and architectural fantasies, often depicting ancient ruins and imagined vistas. He studied in Rome and absorbed the artistic heritage of antiquity, earning him the nickname “Robert des Ruines.” Upon his return to France, he worked on decorative schemes for royal residences including the Palace of Versailles. His imaginative blending of classical motifs with romantic sensibility influenced the development of landscape painting. Despite political turmoil during the Revolution, Robert continued to produce evocative works that captured the era’s shifting ideals.

Louis Legendre (1752–1797) was a butcher by trade who became a prominent revolutionary politician during the French Revolution. He served as a member of the Paris Commune and was known for his fiery oratory in the National Convention. A staunch Montagnard, he supported radical republican measures and the execution of King Louis XVI. Despite his initial influence, he fell from favor during the Thermidorian Reaction and was briefly imprisoned. His life reflects the turbulent shifts of power in revolutionary France.