July 14

Willy Hess was born in 1859 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He studied under prominent violinists and gained acclaim for his expressive performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. In 1885, he joined the faculty of the Basel Conservatory, later leading its violin department and mentoring future generations of musicians. Hess contributed to violin pedagogy through compositions, cadenzas, and critical editions of classical pieces. He toured extensively across Europe, earning praise for his technical mastery and lyrical tone. Hess died in 1928, leaving a lasting influence on violin performance and education.

Born in Baumgarten, Austria, in 1862, Gustav Klimt rose to prominence as a leading figure of the Viennese art scene. He co-founded the Vienna Secession movement in 1897 to challenge academic traditions and promote innovative art. Klimt's work is renowned for its ornate patterns, erotic subject matter, and lavish use of gold leaf, exemplified by masterpieces like "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." His unique style bridged Symbolism and Art Nouveau, influencing generations of modern artists. Despite facing criticism for his controversial themes, he continued to experiment with form and color throughout his career. Klimt died in Vienna in 1918, leaving a lasting legacy in European art.

Born in 1866 in Ghent, Belgium, Juliette Wytsman studied painting at the private academy of Alfred Stevens before exhibiting at the Paris Salon. She married fellow artist Rodolphe Wytsman, and together they became prominent figures in the Belgian art circles Les XX and La Libre Esthétique. Juliette was renowned for her vibrant use of color, capturing light and shadow in outdoor settings and floral compositions. Her works were praised for their serenity and delicate brushwork, reflecting the influence of French Impressionism. She regularly exhibited in Belgium and France, earning critical acclaim for her evocative landscapes. Wytsman's paintings remain sought after by collectors and museums today. She died in 1925.

Born in 1872, Albert Marque trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and exhibited his sculptures at the prestigious Paris Salon. He gained fame for creating intricately detailed bisque dolls for collectors, blending fine art techniques with craftsmanship. Marque's sculptures often featured realistic faces and posed bodies, showcasing his mastery of form and expression. His limited-edition dolls were coveted by aristocrats and artists, bringing renewed interest to French doll making in the early 20th century. Beyond doll production, he produced bronze and marble sculptures displayed in galleries across France. Marque's work is celebrated for its elegance and technical precision. He continued to sculpt until his death in 1939.

Marco de Gastyne was born in Paris in 1889 and trained in classical painting techniques. He gained recognition for his decorative Art Deco illustrations in magazines and posters. His work often featured stylized female figures and modern motifs of the early 20th century. De Gastyne contributed artwork to prominent Parisian exhibitions and commercial publications. Later in life, he collaborated with filmmakers, applying his visual flair to cinematic set design. His influence extended into fashion illustration and visual arts education. He continued creating art well into his later years, passing away in 1982 at age 93.

Dave Fleischer was born in 1894 in New York City and co-founded Fleischer Studios with his brother Max. He directed and produced iconic animated series including Out of the Inkwell, Betty Boop, and Popeye the Sailor. Fleischer’s inventive use of rotoscoping brought a new level of realism to early animation. Under his leadership, the studio became a major competitor to Walt Disney in the 1930s. He also ventured into live-action films before the studio’s decline in the early 1940s. Fleischer’s work influenced generations of animators and remains celebrated for its creativity. He retired from filmmaking and passed away in 1979, leaving a pioneering animation legacy.

Gerald Finzi was an English composer born in 1901, celebrated for his lyrical choral music and orchestral compositions. His works often reflect pastoral themes and poetic settings of English literature. A dedicated academic, he taught at the Royal College of Music and influenced future generations of composers. Among his notable pieces are 'Dies Natalis' and the song cycle 'Let Us Garlands Bring'. Finzi's music remains admired for its warmth, emotional depth, and craftsmanship. He passed away in 1956.

William Hanna was born in Melrose, New Mexico, in 1910 and became one of animation's most influential figures. He teamed up with Joseph Barbera to establish Hanna-Barbera Productions in 1957, producing hit series such as 'The Flintstones', 'The Jetsons', and 'Scooby-Doo'. Earlier, he won seven Academy Awards at MGM for his work on the 'Tom and Jerry' shorts. As a director and producer, he pioneered limited animation techniques that made television cartoons economically viable. His creative vision shaped popular culture for generations of viewers. Hanna also voiced characters and managed studio operations until his death in 2001.

Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912 and became a defining voice of American folk music. He wrote hundreds of songs reflecting the lives of working people during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. His anthem 'This Land Is Your Land' has become a timeless symbol of American identity. Guthrie's travels across the country and his radio broadcasts helped popularize folk music nationwide. His songs of social justice, equality, and human dignity influenced artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Despite battling illness later in life, his legacy endures through his recordings and writings.

Ingmar Bergman was born in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1918 and became one of cinema's most influential auteurs. His films, including 'The Seventh Seal', 'Wild Strawberries', and 'Persona', explore themes of existential angst, faith, and human relationships. Bergman directed more than 60 films and television productions over a career spanning six decades. He was known for his collaborations with actors Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. His innovative storytelling and cinematic techniques have inspired filmmakers worldwide. Bergman also wrote numerous plays and novels, contributing to literature and theater. He died in 2007, leaving a profound legacy in world cinema.

Käbi Laretei was an Estonian-born Swedish pianist renowned for her lyrical interpretations and championing of modern repertoire. Trained at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, she performed internationally and premiered works by Scandinavian and Soviet composers. Laretei collaborated with her husband, filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, on film music and cultural broadcasts. She recorded acclaimed albums spanning solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire. As a teacher and mentor, she influenced numerous musicians and promoted cross-cultural dialogue. Laretei's artistry left a vivid imprint on 20th-century classical music.

Harry Dean Stanton’s career spanned over six decades with performances in more than 200 films and countless television appearances. He gained international acclaim for his lead role in Paris, Texas, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Stanton is remembered for standout supporting roles in Alien, Repo Man, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. His distinctive voice and understated style made him a favorite of directors like David Lynch and Wim Wenders. In addition to acting, he was an accomplished musician who performed in nightclubs. Stanton received numerous lifetime achievement awards and retrospective tributes. His versatile talent left a lasting impact on cinema and music.