June 26

Jan Paweł Lelewel was born on June 26, 1796, into a distinguished Polish family of military engineers. He studied at the Warsaw Engineering School and served as an officer in the Kingdom of Poland’s engineering corps. Lelewel combined his technical expertise with artistic talent, producing detailed topographical maps and landscape paintings. His works documented urban and rural scenes across Poland, blending scientific accuracy with aesthetic appeal. As an engineer, he contributed to fortification projects and river regulation schemes. His dual career reflected the Enlightenment ideal of the engineer-artist. Jan Paweł Lelewel died in 1847, leaving behind valuable cartographic records and artworks.

Branwell Brontë was born on June 26, 1817, in Thornton, England, as the only brother of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. He showed early talent in art and poetry, producing portraits and lyrical verses that reflected his romantic sensibilities. Educated at a boarding school in Yorkshire, Branwell later returned home to West Yorkshire and pursued a career as a tutor and painter. His close relationship with his sisters fostered a creative household that produced literary classics. Despite his artistic promise, Branwell struggled with addiction and financial hardship. His personal turmoil influenced the darker themes in his work. Branwell died in 1848 at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with that of his celebrated sisters.

Daoud Corm was one of Lebanon's pioneering painters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, instrumental in the Arab cultural renaissance. Born in 1852 in Beirut, he studied art in Rome and introduced Western academic techniques to Middle Eastern portraiture. Corm's works often depicted prominent Arab and Ottoman figures, blending realism with regional themes. He also mentored a generation of Lebanese artists and helped establish art education in the region. His paintings remain influential and are displayed in major museums and collections across the Arab world.

Hugues Cuénod was a Swiss tenor and music educator born on June 26, 1902. Renowned for his clear, agile voice, he excelled in both opera and early music repertoire. His career spanned over eight decades, making him one of the longest-active professional singers. Cuénod premiered works by composers such as Benjamin Britten and collaborated with major ensembles. He later taught at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, influencing a new generation of early music specialists. Living to 108, his life exemplified passion and dedication to musical artistry.

Lee Conley Broonzy, known as Big Bill Broonzy, was a seminal figure in the development of the blues. He recorded over 300 songs and toured extensively, bringing the music from the American South to international audiences. With his rich baritone voice and innovative guitar techniques, he influenced both electric and acoustic blues styles. He was instrumental in the 1950s folk revival, performing at festivals and inspiring artists like Bob Dylan. His compositions, including “Key to the Highway,” became enduring blues standards. Broonzy's work continues to resonate, celebrated for its authenticity and storytelling depth.

Alberto Rabagliati was born in Milan in 1906 and became one of Italy’s most popular vocalists. He introduced American jazz and swing styles to Italian audiences, blending them with local musical traditions. Rabagliati gained fame through radio broadcasts and recordings in the 1930s and 1940s. His charismatic stage presence and smooth vocals made songs like “Ma l’amore no” enduring classics. He also appeared in several Italian films, showcasing his versatile talent. Rabagliati’s influence helped shape Italy’s embrace of jazz and popular music.

Viktor Schreckengost was born in 1906 in Ohio and became a leading figure in American design. He produced a wide range of works, from public sculptures to household items and vehicles. His most famous piece, the Jazz Bowl, exemplified Art Deco style and innovative craftsmanship. As a long-time professor, he influenced generations of designers at institutions like the Cleveland Institute of Art. Schreckengost collaborated with major corporations, blending artistic vision with industrial production. His seven-decade career left a lasting impact on modern American art and design.

Born in Munich in 1909, Wolfgang Reitherman moved to the United States as a child. He became one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” shaping the studio’s golden age of animation. Reitherman directed beloved features like “The Jungle Book,” “Robin Hood,” and “101 Dalmatians.” His dynamic animation and storytelling techniques helped define Disney’s artistic vision. He later produced films and oversaw animation development at the studio. Reitherman’s work influenced generations of animators and remains a cornerstone of animation history.

Giuseppe Taddei (1916–2010) was one of Italy's most celebrated baritone opera singers. He made his debut at the Teatro Regio in Parma at a young age and went on to perform at La Scala, the Paris Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera. Taddei was acclaimed for his interpretations of Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini roles, showcasing his vocal flexibility and dramatic flair. He had a prolific recording career, leaving behind numerous albums that continue to be admired. In addition to his singing, he occasionally appeared in film and television productions, demonstrating his acting abilities. Taddei also taught masterclasses, influencing a generation of opera performers.

Leo Rosner (1918–2008) was a Polish-born Austrian Jewish cellist and pianist noted for his chamber music performances. After surviving the Holocaust, he settled in Vienna and helped revive its musical culture. Rosner toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences with his expressive interpretations. He also taught cello and piano to aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting educational legacy. Rosner's story of survival and artistry continues to inspire through memoirs and recordings.

Donald M. Ashton (1919–2004) was an English art director known for his creative set designs in post-war British cinema. He worked on a range of films, collaborating with prominent directors to craft memorable visuals. Ashton's attention to detail and architectural sense brought authenticity to period pieces and contemporary dramas alike. He was nominated for industry awards for his contributions to production design. Through his work, Ashton helped shape the aesthetic of British film in the 1950s and 1960s.

Enzo Apicella was born in Naples in 1922 and moved to London in the 1950s to pursue art and design. He became a regular contributor to publications such as The Observer, The Sunday Times, and Punch, known for his distinctive line work and humor. In the 1960s he began designing interiors for renowned restaurants and clubs, including Quaglino's and Langan's Brasserie. His playful yet elegant style set the tone for London's swinging dining scene and influenced restaurant design worldwide. Apicella also authored books on cartooning and design, sharing his creative vision with a wider audience. He remained active in art and hospitality until his death in 2018, admired for his versatility and flair.