May 30

Daughter of the renowned artist Arnold Houbraken, she honed her skills in drawing and etching from a young age. Antonina contributed illustrations to travelogues and natural history publications, capturing scenes across the Netherlands and beyond. Her work is distinguished by precise line work and attention to architectural and botanical detail. She collaborated with Amsterdam publishers, helping to document the expanded global knowledge of plants and topography. Although few of her original plates survive, her engravings remain valued for their craftsmanship and historical insight. Houbraken's career highlights the important role of women artists in the dissemination of scientific and cultural information during the Enlightenment.

Félix Arnaudin (1844-1921) was a Gascon poet and photographer dedicated to documenting the language, customs, and landscapes of southwestern France. Born into a rural family, he traveled the countryside, recording folk songs, proverbs, and architectural details through his lens and pen. His photography captured vernacular barns, wells, and traditional dress, creating a unique visual record of 19th-century peasant life. As a poet, he published collections in the Gascon dialect, celebrating rural heritage and resisting cultural homogenization. Neglected during his lifetime, his archives were rediscovered in the 20th century and recognized for their ethnographic and artistic value. Today, Arnaudin is celebrated for his pioneering role in preserving regional identity and folk culture.

Peter Carl Fabergé was born on 30 May 1846 in Saint Petersburg. He joined his family’s jewelry firm and took over as head after his father’s death in 1882. Under his leadership, the House of Fabergé became renowned for its intricate and luxurious works. He created the celebrated Imperial Easter eggs for Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. His designs combined fine craftsmanship with innovative techniques. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, he fled to Switzerland and died in exile in 1920. His legacy endures in museums and private collections worldwide.

Born in 1887 in Kyiv, Archipenko became a central figure in the Cubist movement, experimenting with abstract forms and negative space in his sculptures. He moved to Western Europe where he exhibited alongside avant-garde artists before emigrating to the United States in the 1920s. Archipenko taught at institutions such as the Art Students League, influencing generations of modern sculptors. He also worked as an illustrator and designer, applying his inventive techniques across multiple media. His innovative approach to form and structure secured his reputation as one of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors. Archipenko continued to create and exhibit until his death in 1964.

Born in Copenhagen in 1887, Reesen trained at the Royal Danish Conservatory, developing talent as both a performer and composer. He composed orchestral works, operettas, and film scores that blended romantic lyricism with modernist elements. As a conductor, he led ensembles including the Royal Danish Orchestra and promoted Danish musical heritage. Reesen also worked in radio, bringing classical and contemporary compositions to a wider audience. His versatile career left a lasting impact on Denmark’s musical landscape until his death in 1964.

Born in 1892, Amorsolo became the first National Artist of the Philippines, gaining acclaim for his mastery of light and color. His idyllic depictions of rice fields, native customs, and tropical vistas captured the beauty of Philippine culture. Trained at the University of the Philippines and later in Spain, he combined academic techniques with Impressionist influences. Amorsolo’s works became iconic images of national identity during the American colonial and Commonwealth periods. He mentored younger artists and left a prolific legacy of paintings until his death in 1972.

Born in 1896 in Goshen, Indiana, Howard Hawks became one of Hollywood's most influential directors. He helmed classics such as Scarface (1932), Bringing Up Baby (1938), and His Girl Friday (1940), demonstrating a remarkable ability to shift between genres. Hawks collaborated with stars like Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne, forging memorable cinematic partnerships. His economical storytelling and emphasis on strong character dynamics influenced generations of filmmakers. Beyond directing, he produced and co-wrote many of his films, shaping their creative vision. Hawks's contributions earned him a reputation as a master of American cinema whose work remains studied and admired.

Born in 1898, John Gilroy studied at the Camberwell School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. He began his career illustrating magazines and children's books before joining the advertising agency S.H. Benson. Gilroy created hundreds of memorable posters for Guinness, featuring whimsical characters and witty slogans that became staples of mid-20th century advertising. His distinctive style blended loose brushwork with vibrant colors and became instantly recognizable. Beyond commercial art, he exhibited paintings and taught illustration to aspiring artists. Gilroy's work not only defined an era of British advertising but also influenced generations of graphic designers.

Born in 1899 in Brooklyn, New York, Irving Thalberg joined Metro Pictures at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. By his early twenties, he became vice president in charge of production at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Thalberg oversaw the development of classics like Grand Hotel (1932) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), emphasizing high production values and narrative innovation. Known as the 'boy wonder', he pioneered modern film production methods, balancing creative ambition with financial discipline. Thalberg also wrote or co-wrote several screenplays, demonstrating versatility in storytelling. His untimely death in 1936 at age 37 cut short a groundbreaking career, but his influence on studio practices endured for decades.

Born in 1901 in Tartu, Alfred Karindi studied music at the Tartu Higher Music School and later at the Tallinn Conservatory. He built a reputation as a skilled pianist, often performing contemporary works and promoting Estonian music. Karindi composed a range of pieces, including choral works, piano solos, and chamber music, blending romantic and modernist elements. He also taught piano and theory, influencing a generation of Estonian musicians. During the Soviet occupation, he navigated political pressures while maintaining artistic integrity. Karindi's music remains appreciated for its melodic richness and expressive depth, and he is remembered as a cornerstone of Estonia's musical heritage.

Benny Goodman was an American clarinet player, songwriter, and bandleader born in 1909 who became a central figure in the Swing Era. He led one of the most popular jazz orchestras of the 1930s and 1940s, introducing swing music to mainstream audiences. Goodman made history by integrating his band racially, featuring African American musicians like Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. His 1938 Carnegie Hall concert is often cited as jazz's coming of age. Goodman won multiple Grammy Awards and continued performing throughout his life, influencing generations of jazz musicians. Beyond performing, he also composed original works and appeared in numerous films. He passed away in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy as one of jazz's greatest pioneers.

Mort Meskin was an American illustrator celebrated for his influential work in Golden Age comic books. He began his career in the late 1930s and contributed to iconic characters such as Batman and The Spirit. Meskin's innovative panel layouts and attention to detail set new standards in sequential art. His artistry inspired countless comic creators and played a significant role in the medium's evolution. He continued to impact the industry until his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in comic art.