July 13

Peter Parler (1330–1399) was a master builder whose innovative Gothic designs defined Prague’s medieval skyline. Appointed by Emperor Charles IV, he transformed St. Vitus Cathedral with striking vaulting and elaborate tracery. Parler also designed the iconic Charles Bridge towers, blending structural ingenuity with artistic detail. His workshop trained a generation of builders who spread the ‘Parler style’ across Central Europe. Parler’s work combined functionality with rich ornamentation and remains a hallmark of Gothic art. He died in 1399, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Alfred Stieglitz was an influential American photographer and art promoter born in 1864. He pioneered the photo-secession movement, advocating for photography as a fine art form through his journal Camera Work and the Photo-Secession gallery. As the owner of the 291 Gallery in New York, he introduced American audiences to modern European artists like Picasso and Matisse. Stieglitz also supported American painters, notably Georgia O'Keeffe, whom he later married. His own photographic work explored urban landscapes and intimate portraits, celebrated for its clarity and composition. Through his dual roles as artist and curator, Stieglitz reshaped the art world’s perceptions of photography and modern art.

Walt Kuhn was an American painter and arts organizer born in 1877, best known as the founder of the groundbreaking 1913 Armory Show. Through this exhibition, he introduced avant-garde European art movements like Cubism and Fauvism to American audiences, sparking a revolution in U.S. art culture. Kuhn’s own paintings, often depicting circus and urban scenes, displayed a bold use of color and form. As a member of the Society of Independent Artists, he championed artistic freedom and provided platforms for emerging talents. Beyond painting, he wrote essays and lectured on modern art theory. Kuhn’s efforts helped reshape American artistic tastes and make modern art widely accepted before his death in 1949.

Arnold Schoenberg was a revolutionary Austrian-American composer born in 1874, whose work reshaped 20th-century music. He developed the twelve-tone method, a radical compositional system that rejected traditional tonality and paved the way for serialism. His major works include the song cycle Pierrot Lunaire and the opera Moses und Aron, both noted for their expressive intensity. Schoenberg was also a painter, influenced by Expressionism, exhibiting alongside artists like Kandinsky. As a teacher in Vienna and later in Los Angeles, he mentored future luminaries such as Alban Berg and Anton Webern. Despite initial controversy, his ideas profoundly influenced modern classical music, securing his legacy as one of its most transformative figures.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist born in 1907 whose deeply personal paintings combined folk art, surrealism, and symbolism. Suffering lifelong health issues after a tragic bus accident, she turned to self-portraiture to explore themes of pain, identity, and cultural heritage. Kahlo’s works, such as The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace, are renowned for their bold colors and emotional intensity. She was a member of Mexico’s post-revolutionary artistic renaissance and often incorporated indigenous motifs. Married to muralist Diego Rivera, their tumultuous relationship influenced her art and personal life. Today, Kahlo is celebrated as a feminist and cultural icon whose legacy transcends the art world.

Photis Kontoglou was a Greek artist and writer born in 1895, celebrated for his role in the modern revival of Byzantine icon painting. Trained in traditional Orthodox techniques, he executed church frescoes and icons across Greece, infusing them with renewed spiritual and cultural significance. Kontoglou also wrote novels, essays, and critical studies on art and folklore, promoting Greek heritage and Orthodox tradition. His literary works, including the novel Christ in Our Home, reflect his deep religious conviction and narrative skill. As a teacher and lecturer, he influenced generations of artists, reinforcing the value of Byzantine aesthetics. Kontoglou’s dual talents left an indelible mark on both the literary world and the preservation of sacred art.

Ludwig Merwart (1913–1979) was an Austrian artist whose versatile career spanned painting, illustration, and graphic design. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, he developed a distinctive style combining abstract expressionist techniques with figurative elements. Merwart produced illustrations for books and periodicals, earning acclaim for his attention to line and form. He also experimented with serigraphy and lithography, contributing to the revival of printmaking in Austria. His works were exhibited in major Austrian galleries and influenced younger generations of artists. Merwart's legacy endures through public and private collections that celebrate his innovative approach to mid-20th-century art.

Born Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz, Compay Segundo gained fame as a founding member of the Buena Vista Social Club, which introduced traditional Cuban son music to global audiences in the late 1990s. His distinctive baritone voice and 7-string guitar style became emblematic of classic Afro-Cuban rhythms. Over a career spanning eight decades, he recorded numerous albums and toured internationally. Segundo's compositions, such as Chan Chan, remain staples of world music. He helped preserve Cuba's musical heritage and inspired a revival of interest in Latin American music worldwide.

Manohari Singh (1931-2010) was an acclaimed Indian saxophonist whose melodic solos became a hallmark of Bollywood soundtracks. He began his musical journey in the Mumbai jazz scene before joining composer R. D. Burman's orchestra, where he contributed iconic saxophone riffs to numerous hit songs. Singh's unique fusion of jazz improvisation with Indian film music enriched the cultural landscape of Indian cinema. He also composed original scores and mentored young musicians, leaving a legacy of innovation and artistry. His career spanned over five decades, during which he garnered respect as one of India's foremost instrumentalists.

Richard D. Zanuck (1934-2012) was a prominent American film producer whose career spanned over five decades. He co-founded The Zanuck Company and produced iconic films such as Jaws, Driving Miss Daisy, and The Sting. Zanuck served as president of 20th Century Fox, where he championed innovative storytelling and commercial success. His work earned him Academy Award honors and positioned him as a titan of modern cinema. Beyond producing, he mentored emerging filmmakers and left an enduring influence on Hollywood's golden era.

Born in Paris in 1915, Marc Simont moved to the United States as a child and developed a passion for drawing. Over his career, he illustrated more than 100 children's books, blending European artistic sensibilities with American storytelling. He won the 1959 Caldecott Medal for his work on 'A Tree Is Nice' and received Caldecott Honors for 'The Happy Day' and 'The Foolish Turtle'. Simont collaborated with acclaimed authors such as Margaret Wise Brown and James Thurber. His whimsical line drawings and warm watercolor palettes captivated generations of young readers. He continued creating art and teaching illustration until his death in 2013, leaving a lasting impact on children's literature.

Born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, Lorin Maazel was a child prodigy who made his orchestral conducting debut at age 8. After emigrating to the United States, he studied violin and composition before rising to prominence as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Known for his precise technique and breadth of repertoire, Maazel guest-conducted leading ensembles including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. He championed contemporary works and premiered compositions by modern composers. As a composer, his works included operas and orchestral pieces that reflected his melodic craft. Maazel left behind a rich legacy of recordings and inspired generations of musicians through his roles as conductor and educator. He passed away in 2014.