June 19

Born in Basel in 1593, Matthäus Merian became one of the most famous engravers of the Baroque era. He moved to Frankfurt am Main, where he established a successful publishing house in 1624. Merian produced the 'Topographia Germaniae,' a multi-volume series of city views and maps across Europe. His detailed engravings documented urban landscapes, architecture, and historical events with precision. Under his direction, the Merian publishing house released the influential 'Theatrum Europaeum,' chronicling European history. Merian's artistry and entrepreneurial vision made his works cornerstones of early modern cartography and illustration. He died on June 19, 1650, leaving a rich legacy in visual documentation of the 17th century.

Born in Venice in 1669, Alessandro Marcello was a member of the noble Marcello family. He studied law but devoted his life to music, gaining fame as a composer and theorist. Marcello's Concerto in D minor for oboe remains a staple of the Baroque repertoire. He published treatises on basso continuo and contributed writings on music theory. Marcello served as an educator, teaching composition and performance to aspiring musicians. His refined style blended Venetian lyricism with learned counterpoint, reflecting his erudition. He died on June 19, 1747, remembered for his enduring contributions to Baroque music.

Born in Augsburg in 1702, Johann Ernst Eberlin established himself as a prominent organist and composer. He held positions at several churches before becoming court organist in Salzburg. Eberlin composed a wide range of sacred music, including masses, motets, and Magnificat settings. His organ works display virtuosic writing and inventive harmonic structures characteristic of the late Baroque. Eberlin's reputation influenced the musical life of Salzburg, setting the stage for later composers. A number of his manuscripts survive in cathedral archives, testifying to his regional impact. He died on June 19, 1762, remembered for his contributions to German sacred and instrumental music.

Born in Paris in 1724, Lagrenée studied under his brother and at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Rising to prominence with works depicting classical mythology, he received commissions for royal residences and salons. From 1769 to 1775, he served as director of the French Academy in Rome, where he promoted French artistic ideals. His vibrant palette and elegant compositions embodied the Rococo spirit and influenced a generation of artists. As an educator, he mentored aspiring painters and contributed to the development of French art until his death in 1805.

Maurice Jaubert (1900–1940) was a gifted French composer and conductor celebrated for his dynamic film music and orchestral compositions. He collaborated with pioneering filmmakers like Jean Vigo and Marcel Carné, scoring classics such as “L’Atalante,” “Zero for Conduct,” and “Port of Shadows.” Jaubert’s music blended modernist techniques with lyrical melodies, enhancing the emotional depth of early French cinema. A protégé of Maurice Ravel, he conducted orchestras across Europe and taught composition at the Paris Conservatory. During World War II, Jaubert joined the French army and tragically died in a plane crash on June 19, 1940, while on duty. His innovative approach to film scoring influenced generations of composers. Today, his work is studied for its originality and expressive power.

Lee Krasner (1908–1984) was a pioneering American painter whose bold abstract expressionist works challenged artistic conventions. Born in Brooklyn to Russian-Jewish immigrants, she studied at the Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design before joining the vibrant New York School in the 1940s. Krasner’s dynamic use of color and form earned her acclaim, and she played a key role in shaping the abstract expressionist movement alongside her husband Jackson Pollock. In addition to her paintings, she taught at the California School of Fine Arts, mentoring future generations of artists. Her retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in 1984 was one of the first major exhibitions of a female abstract expressionist. Krasner’s enduring legacy lies in her fearless experimentation and advocacy for women in the arts.

Born in 1919 in Chihuahua, Mexico, Antonio Aguilar became one of the country's most beloved performers. Known as 'El Charro de México,' he recorded over 150 albums of ranchera and folk music, many of which became classics. Aguilar also starred in and produced dozens of films that showcased Mexican traditions and landscapes. His charismatic performances and dedication to cultural heritage earned him national and international acclaim. He won numerous awards for both his music and cinematic work, solidifying his status as a cultural ambassador. Aguilar also introduced his son, Pepe Aguilar, to show business, beginning a family legacy in entertainment. He passed away in 2007, leaving an enduring influence on Mexican popular culture.

Born in 1925 in Mexico City, Alberto Mijangos pursued his artistic education at the Instituto Allende before moving to the United States. His paintings blended abstraction with figurative elements, featuring bold colors and dynamic compositions. Mijangos taught art at several institutions in Texas, inspiring a generation of students with his passion and expertise. He exhibited widely across North America, earning recognition for his contributions to Chicano and American art. His work often explored themes of identity, migration, and cultural fusion. Mijangos remained active as both an artist and educator throughout his life. He died in 2007, remembered for his creative energy and lasting impact on art communities.

Born in Prague in 1965, Topol became a defining figure of the Czech underground music scene. As the frontman of Psí vojáci (Dog Soldiers), he combined haunting piano melodies with raw, introspective lyrics that challenged political oppression. The son of renowned writer Josef Topol, he drew inspiration from literature and existential themes. His performances were noted for their intensity and emotional depth, earning him a devoted following. Despite struggles with health and substance abuse, he continued to record and perform until his death in 2013. His work remains influential in Czech rock and avant-garde music circles.

Born Ottis Dewey Whitman Jr. in 1923, Whitman developed a distinctive high tenor voice and yodeling style that set him apart in country music. He achieved international fame with his 1955 hit "Rose Marie," which topped the UK charts for 11 weeks. Over his career, he sold over 120 million records and enjoyed particular popularity in Europe. Beyond singing, he wrote many of his own songs and toured extensively, building a loyal fan base. His blend of country, folk, and pop elements influenced generations of musicians. Whitman continued performing into his eighties, leaving a lasting legacy in country and western music until his death in 2013.

Born in New York in 1939, Goffin teamed up with Carole King as one of the most successful songwriting duos of the 1960s. Their partnership at the Brill Building produced over two dozen top ten hits, including "Natural Woman" and "Up on the Roof." Goffin's clever lyrics and King's melodies helped define the sound of early pop music. After their split, he continued writing hits like "Chains" and "Go Away Little Girl." He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 for his lasting contributions. Goffin's lyrical craftsmanship left an indelible mark on popular music until his death in 2014.