July 10

Born into the renowned Teniers family of artists, David Teniers III followed in his father’s footsteps as a distinguished Baroque painter. He specialized in lively peasant scenes, allegories, and pastoral landscapes, capturing the vibrancy of 17th-century Flemish life. Teniers trained under his father David Teniers the Younger and contributed to court and church commissions. His works are celebrated for their rich color palette, dynamic compositions, and attention to everyday details. Although overshadowed by his father’s fame, Teniers III developed a unique style that influenced later genre painters. His paintings remain in major museums and private collections across Europe.

Camille Pissarro was born on the island of St. Thomas and later settled in France. He became a central figure in the Impressionist movement, exhibiting in all eight official Impressionist exhibitions. Pissarro’s work focused on rural and urban landscapes, capturing light and atmosphere with vibrant brushwork. He mentored young artists including Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin, influencing the next generation. Throughout his career, he experimented with Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism before returning to Impressionism. Pissarro’s paintings are celebrated for their naturalistic detail and social realism, depicting everyday life in 19th-century France.

Henryk Wieniawski was a Polish violin prodigy born in Lublin who studied in Paris. He gained international fame for his virtuosic performances and expressive tone. Wieniawski composed acclaimed works such as Violin Concerto No.1 in F♯ minor and the ‘Légende’ op. 17. He taught at the Paris Conservatory and the St. Petersburg Conservatory, influencing generations of violinists. Wieniawski founded a music school in Warsaw and championed Polish national music. His dramatic style and technical innovations left a lasting mark on violin repertoire and pedagogy.

Sergey Konenkov (1874–1971) was a pioneering Russian sculptor and painter. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts and later traveled extensively across Europe and America. Konenkov’s works often feature dynamic forms and a deep spiritual dimension. He played a key role in introducing modernist aesthetics to Russian sculpture. His public monuments and intimate busts reflect both technical mastery and emotional depth.

Otto Freundlich (1878–1943) was a key figure in Expressionism and Abstract art. He studied architecture before dedicating himself to painting and sculpture. Freundlich was a member of the French avant-garde and exhibited alongside artists like Picasso and Kandinsky. His vibrant geometric paintings and organic sculptures explored themes of spirituality and universal harmony. He tragically died during the Holocaust, but his work influenced later generations of abstract artists.

Giorgio de Chirico (1888–1978) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century art. He pioneered the Metaphysical art movement, creating dreamlike cityscapes and enigmatic compositions. His work influenced Surrealists like Dalí and Magritte. De Chirico also designed theatrical sets, integrating classical motifs with modern aesthetics. His haunting imagery continues to inspire contemporary artists and filmmakers.

McHugh began his career in vaudeville before moving to Tin Pan Alley. He composed hundreds of songs for Broadway shows and Hollywood films during the 1920s and 1930s. Collaborations with lyricists like Dorothy Fields produced enduring jazz and pop standards. Hits such as "I'm in the Mood for Love" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" became part of the Great American Songbook. McHugh's music influenced generations of performers and remains a staple in jazz repertoire. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to American popular music.

Orff studied at the Munich Academy of Music and gained fame with his 1937 work "Carmina Burana." He developed the Orff Schulwerk, an influential method combining music, movement, and speech for children. His compositions often integrated medieval and folk elements with modern harmonies. Orff founded the Günther School in Munich to implement his educational philosophy. Despite controversy over his career during the Third Reich, his teaching approach spread worldwide. "Carmina Burana" remains one of the most performed choral works of the 20th century.

Mitchell Parish was one of the most prolific lyricists of popular music, penning timeless standards like "Stardust," "Deep Purple," and the English lyrics for "Volare." Born in Lithuania and raised in New York, he collaborated with composers such as Hoagy Carmichael and Glenn Miller. Parish's elegant and evocative words helped shape the American Songbook. Over his long career, he contributed to Broadway, Hollywood and countless recordings. He remained active in songwriting and songwriting organizations well into his later years.

Blind Boy Fuller was born Fulton Allen in 1907 in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He rose to fame in the 1930s as one of the leading exponents of the Piedmont blues style, recording dozens of sides for Decca Records. His fluid fingerpicking and vibrant vocals influenced many later blues musicians. Notable songs include 'Step It Up and Go' and 'Truckin' My Blues Away.' Despite his popularity, Fuller's career was cut short by health issues and he died at the age of 33 in 1941. His recordings remain a cornerstone of early American blues and continue to inspire guitarists today.

Cootie Williams was born in 1911 in Mobile, Alabama, and rose to prominence in the late 1920s. He joined Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1929 and became famous for his growling, plunger-muted trumpet style on numbers like 'Ko-Ko' and 'Concerto for Cootie.' In the 1940s, he led his own big band before spending years with leaders such as Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway. Williams's innovative technique helped shape the sound of big band and swing music. He continued performing into the 1970s, receiving a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters award. Cootie Williams died in 1985, leaving a lasting imprint on jazz trumpet playing.

Joe Shuster was born in 1914 in Toronto, Canada, to immigrant parents. As a teenager, he partnered with writer Jerry Siegel to create 'Superman,' debuting in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The character's success launched the superhero genre and became a worldwide phenomenon. Despite their creation's popularity, Shuster and Siegel struggled with legal battles over ownership and compensation. Later in life, Shuster received modest pensions from DC Comics and recognition at comic conventions. His bold, dynamic art style set the template for comic book illustration. Joe Shuster died in 1992, but Superman remains one of the most enduring icons of popular culture.