July 08

Artemisia Gentileschi was a leading female artist of the Italian Baroque, celebrated for her dramatic compositions. Her paintings often portrayed strong women from myth and scripture, such as Judith and Susanna. Gentileschi overcame personal trauma and established herself in prestigious art centers like Rome and Florence. Patrons across Europe commissioned her bold works, showcasing her mastery of color and light. She ran her own workshop and mentored other artists, breaking gender barriers in art. Artemisia's legacy endures as a feminist icon and a masterful Baroque painter.

Giorgio Pullicino was a notable Maltese artist whose work bridged painting and architecture. He studied in Rome and brought neoclassical aesthetics back to the Maltese islands. Pullicino designed public buildings and private villas, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. His landscapes and historical scenes showcased his skillful use of perspective and detail. He played a key role in developing Malta's artistic identity in the early 19th century. Pullicino's work remains celebrated for its elegance and cultural significance.

Born in Königsberg, Prussia in 1867, Käthe Kollwitz studied art in Berlin and Munich. She gained renown for her expressive prints, drawings, and sculptures highlighting the struggles of the working class. Her series 'The Weavers' and 'The Peasant War' brought attention to social injustice in late 19th-century Germany. The loss of her son in World War I profoundly influenced her later works on grief, loss, and the impact of war. During the Nazi era, her art was condemned as 'degenerate,' yet she refused to leave her homeland. Her sculpture 'Mother with her Dead Son' became an enduring symbol of mourning and protest. Kollwitz continued to create socially conscious art until her death in 1945, inspiring generations of artists.

Born in Melbourne in 1882, Grainger gained fame for pieces like "Country Gardens" and his explorations of traditional folk tunes. He moved to London to study and later settled in the United States, where he became a pioneering collector of folk music recordings. Grainger championed experimental techniques such as free music and unconventional instrumentation. He taught at the New England Conservatory and influenced generations of composers. Known for his eccentric personality and dedication to musical authenticity, he left a legacy as one of the early advocates of ethnomusicology. Grainger continued performing and composing until his death in 1961.

Born in Kingsburg, California in 1890, Stanton Macdonald-Wright studied art in San Francisco and New York. Along with Morgan Russell, he developed Synchromism, which linked color and musical harmony in visual art. He exhibited widely in Europe and the United States, gaining acclaim for his vibrant abstract works. Macdonald-Wright also served as an influential teacher and curator, shaping art programs at institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. His writing and lectures promoted modern art during the early 20th century. He returned to prominence in the 1960s before his death in 1973.

Born in Moscow in 1892, Pavel Korin studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. He became renowned for his grand portraiture and religious iconography, reflecting both realism and spiritual depth. Korin was appointed chief restorer at the Lenin Mausoleum, where he oversaw the preservation of Vladimir Lenin’s embalmed body for decades. He also taught at the Surikov Art Institute, influencing a generation of Soviet artists. His studio became a cultural hub where art and tradition converged. Korin’s dedication to restoration and painting earned him numerous honors before his death in 1967.

George Antheil was an American pianist, composer, and author best known for his avant-garde works and innovative use of mechanical instruments. His most famous piece, Ballet Mécanique, originally scored for multiple player pianos and percussion, challenged traditional notions of music. Antheil also composed for films in Hollywood, bringing his unconventional style to the silver screen. In addition to his musical creations, he wrote insightful books and essays on culture and politics. A true multidisciplinary artist, he influenced the trajectory of 20th-century music before his death in 1959.

Leonid Amalrik was a seminal figure in Russian animation, creating beloved characters and directing numerous shorts for the Soyuzmultfilm studio. His career began in the 1920s as an illustrator, before he transitioned to animation where he co-directed the acclaimed film The Adventures of Murzilka. Amalrik's storytelling combined humor, innovation, and technical skill, influencing generations of animators. Throughout his career, he experimented with various techniques, from cutouts to stop-motion, leaving a diverse filmography. He continued working into the late 20th century, passing away in 1997 and cementing his place in animation history.

Louis Jordan was a multifaceted American artist celebrated for his work as a singer-songwriter, saxophonist, and bandleader. Leading his Tympany Five, he crafted upbeat jump blues hits like 'Caldonia' and 'Choo Choo Ch'Boogie,' which topped R&B charts and crossed over to mainstream audiences. Jordan's charismatic stage presence and comedic flair extended to film roles and radio broadcasts. Often called the 'King of the Jukebox,' he paved the way for rhythm and blues and early rock and roll artists. His innovative style and prolific recordings made him one of the most influential musicians of his era before his death in 1975.

Billy Eckstine was an American singer and trumpet player born in 1914, whose rich baritone voice became a defining sound of the swing era. He first gained prominence with the Earl Hines Orchestra before forming his own big band that featured emerging bebop legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Songs such as “Prisoner of Love” and “I Apologize” became chart-topping hits, cementing his status as a crossover star in jazz and popular music. Eckstine also appeared in films and on television, breaking racial barriers through his charismatic performances. His innovative blending of jazz vocals with sophisticated arrangements influenced generations of artists until his death in 1993.

Irwin Hasen began his career in the Golden Age of comics, drawing superheroes for DC Comics such as Wildcat and Johnny Quick. In 1955, he co-created the beloved comic strip Dondi, which featured the adventures of a war orphan and ran for decades in newspapers worldwide. Hasen's clear, dynamic art style and attention to human emotion earned him acclaim among peers and readers. He continued to work in comics and taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Hasen passed away in 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy in illustration.

Johnnie Johnson (1924–2005) was an American pianist and songwriter celebrated for his influential work in blues and rock ’n’ roll. He collaborated closely with guitarist Chuck Berry, providing the piano riffs on classics like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven.” Johnson’s dynamic playing style blended boogie-woogie, jazz, and rhythm and blues, defining the sound of the era. Despite his significant contributions, he performed in relative obscurity until later recognition and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He released solo recordings showcasing his virtuosity and led his own band in the 1970s. Johnson’s legacy endures through his enduring impact on musicians and the genre’s development.