July 14

Born in Marseille in 1818, Marius Petipa began his dance career at the Paris Opera before moving to St. Petersburg in 1847. As premier ballet master, he created enduring works such as 'The Sleeping Beauty,' 'La Bayadère,' and 'The Nutcracker.' Petipa’s choreographic style blended precise classical technique with dramatic storytelling and grand ensemble scenes. His influence defined the aesthetics of classical ballet and set standards still followed by ballet companies worldwide. Petipa died in 1910, leaving a legacy as one of the art form’s greatest innovators.

Born in Ivančice, Moravia, Mucha studied art in Munich and Paris, where he developed his signature decorative style. He rose to fame with his posters for actress Sarah Bernhardt, blending graceful figures with ornamental motifs. Mucha's work epitomized the Art Nouveau movement, influencing graphic design and decorative arts globally. Later in life, he embarked on the Slav Epic, a monumental series of 20 large canvases depicting Slavic history and mythology. His art celebrated beauty, nature, and national identity, securing his reputation as a pioneer of modern illustration.

Born into an artistic family in Paris, Julie grew up surrounded by the leading Impressionists, including Renoir and Monet. Under the guidance of her mother, Berthe Morisot, she developed her own talent as a painter of portraits and landscapes. She married artist and collector Ernest Rouart, expanding their collection of Impressionist masterpieces. Manet's diaries offer rare insights into 19th-century art circles and the lives of its key personalities. Her dual role as creator and patron helped preserve the legacy of Impressionism for future generations.

Philippe Wynne was an American soul singer born in 1941. He rose to fame as the dynamic lead vocalist for The Spinners, bringing his distinctive voice to hits like I'll Be Around and Games People Play. Wynne joined the group in 1972, contributing to their golden era of success. After departing from The Spinners in 1977, he pursued a solo career with releases that blended funk and soul. His energetic performances and vocal range made him a standout figure in 1970s R&B.

Constance Stokes was an Australian artist born in 1906 who gained recognition for her expressive portrait and figurative paintings. She studied at the National Gallery Art School in Melbourne before joining the Contemporary Art Society. Stokes exhibited widely across Australia and received critical acclaim for her bold use of color and form. Her works are held in major public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia. She continued to paint and exhibit until her death in 1991, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian modern art.

Léo Ferré was a Monacan-born artist and poet born in 1916 who became a leading figure in French chanson. He released over forty albums, blending poetry, jazz, and orchestral arrangements in his music. Ferré set classical poetry by Baudelaire and other writers to song, challenging conventional musical forms. His lyrics often explored themes of love, freedom, and social justice, earning him a devoted following. Throughout his long career, he influenced generations of songwriters and remained a symbol of artistic independence until his death in 1993.

René Ríos Boettiger, known by his pen name Pepo, was a Chilean cartoonist born in 1911. He created the beloved character Condorito in 1949, which debuted in the Okey magazine and quickly became a cultural phenomenon across Latin America. Pepo's humor and satirical style resonated with readers of all ages, making Condorito one of the most widely read comic strips in the Spanish-speaking world. Over five decades, he produced countless cartoons, influencing generations of illustrators. His work remains a cornerstone of Latin American pop culture following his death in 2000.