May 24

Born in 1797 near Münster, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff emerged as one of Germany’s most important 19th-century poets. She crafted lyrical poems and novellas, with 'Die Judenbuche' becoming her best-known prose work. Droste-Hülshoff’s writing is marked by vivid descriptions of nature and deep psychological insight. Despite living a largely reclusive life, she maintained correspondence with leading intellectuals and musicians of her day. In addition to her literary achievements, she composed music for voice and piano which reflected Romantic sensibilities. Her work influenced subsequent generations of writers and remains a cornerstone of German literature. She died in 1848, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld was born in Leipzig in 1794 and became a leading figure of the German Nazarene movement. He studied under Friedrich Overbeck and produced major fresco cycles in churches and royal palaces in Dresden and Munich. His illustrations for the "Nibelungenlied" and the Bible combined Romantic themes with medieval style, earning acclaim across Europe. As director of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, he influenced a generation of artists and helped shape 19th-century historicism. His meticulous draftsmanship and narrative compositions continue to inspire art historians and painters.

Samuel Palmer was born in Surrey in 1805 and emerged as a leading figure in British Romantic art. Influenced by William Blake, he produced mystical twilight landscapes around Shoreham that blended realism with spiritual symbolism. His early works earned critical acclaim and formed part of the Ancients group alongside his mentor Ebenezer Calvert. Although his style fell out of fashion in later years, his watercolors and prints were rediscovered in the 20th century, restoring his reputation. Palmer’s atmospheric compositions remain admired for their emotive use of light, color, and poetic vision.

Alexey Victorovich Shchusev was born in 1873 and studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. He emerged as a leading architect in early Soviet Russia, blending neoclassical and modernist elements. His most famous work, Lenin's Mausoleum on Red Square, became a symbol of Soviet power and architectural innovation. He also designed the Kazanskaya railway station, which remains a key transport hub in Moscow. Shchusev's diverse portfolio included churches, government buildings, and memorials. He served as President of the Academy of Architecture of the USSR and mentored a generation of Soviet architects. He passed away in 1949, leaving a lasting mark on the urban landscape of Moscow and beyond.

Elmore Brooks James was born in 1918 in Mississippi and grew up immersed in Delta blues music. He mastered the slide guitar technique, creating a powerful and expressive sound that influenced countless musicians. James recorded classics such as 'Dust My Broom' and 'The Sky Is Crying,' which became blues standards. He led his own band in Chicago and appeared on recordings with prominent artists of the era. His energetic performances and distinctive guitar tone helped bridge traditional blues with emerging electric styles. Though his career was relatively short, his impact on rock and roll and subsequent generations of guitarists was profound. James died in 1963, and his songs continue to resonate as pillars of the blues genre.

Sonny Boy Williamson II was a pioneering blues musician renowned for his virtuosic harmonica playing. Born Albert Rice Miller in 1908, he adopted his stage name after his predecessor. He recorded classics such as Help Me and Dont Start Me Talkin. His improvisational style and expressive vocals influenced generations of blues and rock artists. He performed extensively in the Mississippi Delta and Chicago scenes. His recordings remain essential to the story of post war blues music.

Duke Ellington was a towering figure in jazz history, leading his orchestra from the 1920s until his death. Born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899, he composed thousands of pieces, including standards like Mood Indigo and It Dont Mean a Thing. His innovative arrangements and sophisticated harmonies reshaped the sound of big band jazz. Ellington toured extensively around the world, elevating jazz to a respected art form. He received numerous awards during his lifetime and remains one of the most recorded composers. His legacy continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Ernest Bullock was a distinguished organist who served at major British cathedrals, including Westminster Abbey. Born in Bristol in 1890, he emerged as a leading figure in church music. He composed choral and organ works that are still performed today. Bullock taught at the University of Glasgow and influenced generations of musicians through his academic roles. He was knighted for his contributions to British music. His legacy lives on in his compositions and the many students he mentored.

Arthur Villeneuve began painting in his forties without formal training, creating a unique folk art style. Born in 1910 in Quebec, he portrayed everyday scenes and vibrant local traditions. His works gained recognition for their bold colors and candid storytelling. Villeneuve exhibited widely, helping popularize Quebec folk art nationally. Collectors and museums celebrated his contributions to Canadian visual culture. He is remembered as a pioneering voice in self taught artistry.

Gene Clark co founded The Byrds in the 1960s, contributing classics like She Dont Care About Time. Born in 1944, he was known for his lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship. After leaving the band, he pursued a solo career blending folk, country, and rock elements. His songs, including Ill Feel a Whole Lot Better, became enduring hits covered by many artists. Despite commercial challenges, his influence grew among Americana and alternative musicians. Clark is celebrated as a pioneer who shaped the sound of modern rock songwriting.

Henry Ries was born in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1939 to escape Nazi persecution. He returned as a photographer for Life magazine, capturing powerful scenes of the 1948–49 Berlin Airlift. Ries later became a staff photographer for The New York Times, where his work documented key moments of the Cold War and civil rights movement. His portraiture of world leaders and ordinary citizens alike displayed technical mastery and empathy. Ries received Guggenheim and National Press Photographers Association awards for his contributions to journalism. His photographs remain crucial historical records of mid-20th-century events.

Born in 1915, Henry Bumstead became one of Hollywood's most respected art directors and production designers. Throughout his career, he collaborated on numerous classic films, shaping their look and atmosphere. His keen eye for detail and innovative designs contributed to the visual storytelling of both dramas and epics. Bumstead received multiple awards and nominations for his artistic achievements in cinema. He influenced a generation of designers with his approach to set construction and aesthetic coherence. He passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on the art of film production design.