May 25

Born in 1822 near Bordeaux, France, into an artistic family. Trained under her father and at the École Gratuite de Dessin in Paris. Achieved fame with "The Horse Fair" exhibited in 1853. Known for meticulous studies of horses, oxen, and other animals. First woman to receive the Legion of Honour in 1865 for her achievements. Lived openly with her partner, challenging 19th-century gender norms. Died in 1899, leaving a legacy as a leading animalier artist.

Lyubov Popova was a leading figure of the Russian avant-garde who explored Cubo-Futurism, Suprematism, and Constructivism. Born in 1889, she studied art in Paris, Munich, and at the Moscow Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Popova's work bridged fine art and design, creating textiles, stage sets, and graphic works that broke with traditional forms. She joined the influential artistic group UNOVIS and later taught at VKhUTEMAS, shaping a new generation of artists. Despite her untimely death at 35, her bold abstraction and experimental spirit left a lasting mark on modern art.

Gustav Holst was an English composer whose inventive orchestral and choral works left a lasting impact on 20th-century music. Born in Cheltenham in 1874, he studied at the Royal College of Music and performed as a trombonist. Holst achieved international fame with his orchestral suite The Planets (1914–1916), which showcased his imaginative orchestration and mystical themes. He held teaching positions at St Paul's Girls' School and Morley College, influencing generations of musicians. Though The Planets remains his most celebrated work, Holst's contributions to English folk song arrangements, choral music, and music education are equally significant.

Henry Ossawa Tanner was an influential African American artist who gained international acclaim for his sensitive and evocative paintings. Born in Pittsburgh in 1859, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under Thomas Eakins. In 1891, Tanner moved to Paris to escape racial discrimination in the United States and quickly established himself in the European art scene. His works, including The Banjo Lesson (1893) and The Annunciation, blend realism with luminous color and profound spiritual depth. Tanner's success opened doors for future generations of Black artists. He died in 1937, leaving a legacy of artistic excellence and cultural barrier-breaking.

Emanuel Feuermann was one of the foremost cellists of the 20th century, admired for his flawless technique and expressive interpretations. Born in 1902 in Lemberg (then Austria-Hungary), he showed prodigious talent and studied under Julius Klengel in Leipzig. Feuermann became principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic and frequently collaborated with top orchestras and chamber ensembles. Fleeing the rise of Nazism, he emigrated to the United States in 1934, where he taught at the Curtis Institute of Music. His performances of Bach, Haydn, and modern works were praised for their warmth and precision. Feuermann died suddenly in 1942 at age 39, but his recordings remain a benchmark for cellists.

Nils von Dardel was a key figure in Swedish modernism whose colorful and often whimsical paintings challenged conventions. Born in Stockholm in 1888, he studied in Germany and later with Henri Matisse in Paris, absorbing Fauvist and Expressionist influences. His breakthrough work, The Dying Dandy, satirized aristocratic vanity with bold color and dramatic composition. Throughout his career, von Dardel explored themes of chivalry, romance, and social commentary in both painting and graphic design. He exhibited at the Salon d'Automne and contributed to theater set designs. Dardel's inventive vision gained widespread recognition after his death in 1943, securing his place in art history.

Robert Capa, born Endre Ernő Friedmann in 1913, was one of the 20th century’s greatest photojournalists. He captured iconic images during the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the D-Day landings, bringing the front lines to public view. Capa co-founded the Magnum Photos agency in 1947 to protect photographers’ rights and ensure editorial freedom. His famous shot 'The Falling Soldier' remains emblematic of wartime photography. He was killed by a landmine in 1954 while covering the First Indochina War, leaving a lasting legacy of bravery and artistry behind.

Born in 1909, Zoran Mušič survived World War II and the horrors of Dachau, which profoundly influenced his art. He later moved to Italy and France, developing a distinctive style marked by delicate lines and muted colors. Mušič's work encompassed landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, often reflecting themes of memory and loss. He exhibited internationally and received numerous awards for his contributions to modern art. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Born in 1915 in Mexico, Gabriel Vargas established himself as a masterful painter and illustrator renowned for his colorful portrayals of Mexican customs and landscapes. His work appeared in publications, exhibitions, and public murals, capturing the spirit of his homeland with warmth and authenticity. Vargas experimented with various styles, blending realism and fantasy to tell stories through his art. His illustrations also adorned books, magazines, and posters, making his vision widely accessible. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy of visual storytelling.

Herb Jeffries was an American baritone singer who blended jazz, pop, and Western styles. He starred in and recorded soundtracks for a series of 'race films' Westerns in the 1930s and 1940s. Nicknamed the 'Bronze Buckaroo', Jeffries was one of the first African-Americans to headline cowboy movies. He performed with Duke Ellington’s Orchestra and recorded popular tracks including 'Flamingo'. Born Umberto Alexander Valentino; he adopted a stage persona that challenged racial barriers of the era. Jeffries continued to perform and record music into his later decades, leaving a unique cultural legacy.

Albert S. Ruddy (born 1930) is a Canadian film producer whose work has had a profound influence on modern cinema. He produced Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather', earning an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1973. Over his career, he has been involved with acclaimed films such as 'Million Dollar Baby' and 'The Longest Yard'. Known for his keen eye for compelling stories, Ruddy collaborated with some of Hollywood's most talented filmmakers. His contributions have helped shape the landscape of feature filmmaking.

Richard M. Sherman (born 1928) is an American songwriter who, alongside his brother Robert B. Sherman, formed the legendary Sherman Brothers duo at Walt Disney Studios. Their compositions include timeless classics like 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' from Mary Poppins and 'It's a Small World' for Disney theme parks. Over their career, they received multiple Academy Awards and became one of the most successful songwriting teams in film history. Sherman's melodies and lyrics have become embedded in global popular culture. His work continues to delight audiences of all ages and influence new generations of composers.