July 16

Andrea del Sarto was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance celebrated for his exceptional draftsmanship and harmonious compositions. Born in Florence, he trained under Piero di Cosimo before developing a style noted for its subtle use of color and light. His major works include the frescoes in the Chiostrino dei Voti at Santissima Annunziata and the Madonna of the Harpies. Often compared to his contemporaries Raphael and Leonardo, del Sarto's technical mastery influenced artists of the 16th century and beyond. Patronized by the Medici family, his work bridged the artistic traditions of early and High Renaissance Florence. He died in 1530, leaving a legacy as one of the period's most skilled painters.

Joseph Wilton was an 18th-century English sculptor and academic who played a central role in the establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts. Born in 1722, he studied sculpture in Rome under prominent neoclassical artists before returning to London. Wilton's works included portrait busts, memorial monuments, and decorative sculptures for royal and public buildings. As an academician, he contributed to the Royal Academy's early exhibitions and served as its secretary. His style blended classical elegance with detailed realism, earning commissions from leading figures of the Georgian era. He died in 1803, remembered as one of Britain's prominent sculptors of the neoclassical movement.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an 18th-century English painter celebrated for his powerful portraiture and leadership in the arts. Born in 1723, he studied in Italy and absorbed the techniques of the Old Masters, transforming portrait painting in Britain. Reynolds became the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768, shaping its educational programs and exhibitions. His 'Discourses on Art' advocated for the 'Grand Style', encouraging painters to move beyond mere likeness to idealized beauty. Throughout his career, he painted members of the aristocracy, writers, and intellectuals, leaving a portraiture legacy that defined an era. He died in 1792 and was buried in St Paul's Cathedral, honored as one of Britain's greatest artists.

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796–1875) was a pioneering French artist celebrated for his poetic landscape paintings and subtle etchings. Born and trained in Paris, he traveled to Italy where he captured the Mediterranean’s soft light in plein air studies. As a founding figure of the Barbizon School, Corot bridged Neoclassical traditions and the emerging Impressionist style. His nuanced use of color and atmosphere inspired generations of painters seeking to portray nature with emotional resonance. Corot’s body of work, including hundreds of canvases and prints, remains a cornerstone of 19th-century art history.

Eugène Ysaÿe (1858–1931) was a celebrated Belgian violinist renowned for his expressive tone and advanced technique. Born in Liège, he studied under Henri Vieuxtemps and made his debut in Brussels before embarking on an international concert career. As a soloist, Ysaÿe earned the moniker 'King of the Violin' for his commanding interpretations and improvisatory flair. He composed the landmark 'Six Sonatas for Solo Violin,' works that remain central to the instrument’s repertoire. Later, Ysaÿe founded the Ysaÿe Quartet and taught at the Brussels Conservatory, shaping a generation of European musicians.

Charles Sheeler (1883-1965) was an American painter and commercial photographer at the forefront of the Precisionist art movement. He captured industrial landscapes and architectural forms with precise, geometric compositions. Sheeler’s work blurred the line between fine art and photography, reflecting modern America’s technological advancement. He collaborated with the Ford Motor Company on corporate image campaigns and contributed to early art photography theory. His influence extended through teaching and writing on art and design.

Carmen Lombardo was born in 1903 and became famous as the lead vocalist and saxophonist for The Royal Canadians, founded by his brother Guy Lombardo. He composed popular tunes such as 'Sweethearts on Parade' and 'Boo Hoo,' which became jazz standards. With his smooth voice and charismatic stage presence, Lombardo helped the band achieve international fame through radio broadcasts and recordings. He remained active in music until his death in 1971, leaving a lasting influence on big band and dance music.

Goffredo Petrassi was born in 1904 and became one of Italy’s foremost composers and educators. He taught at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory for decades, mentoring several generations of musicians. Petrassi’s early works reflect neoclassical styles, while his later compositions embraced avant-garde techniques. He conducted major orchestras and premiered his own music across Europe. Through his compositions, performances, and teaching, Petrassi played a key role in shaping modern Italian musical culture.

Amy Patterson (1912–2019) was an Argentine artist whose multifaceted career spanned over eight decades. A gifted composer and singer, she published more than 200 songs ranging from choral pieces to lullabies. Patterson also wrote poetry and used her literary talents to craft engaging lyrics for young audiences. As an educator, she founded a music school in Salta, nurturing generations of musicians and introducing innovative teaching methods. Recognized with national awards, she remained active in music well into her centennial years, inspiring artists across Latin America with her vitality and creativity.

Born Djalma de Andrade on July 16, 1923, in Rio de Janeiro, Bola Sete mastered the guitar and blended Brazilian rhythms with jazz influences. After moving to the United States in the late 1950s, he collaborated with pianist Vince Guaraldi and recorded acclaimed albums like "Tour de Force." His virtuosic playing and melodic improvisations made him a pivotal figure in Latin jazz. Sete toured internationally and influenced generations of guitarists exploring fusion styles. Health issues in the 1970s curtailed his performances, but his recordings remained celebrated. He died in 1987, remembered as one of Brazil’s most innovative guitarists.

Rupert Deese was known for pushing the boundaries of ceramic art through his experimentation with form and surface techniques. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Mariana Islands, he created pieces that blended organic shapes with refined finishes. Deese’s work was featured in galleries across the Pacific region and influenced a generation of contemporary potters. His legacy endures in the vibrant textures and innovative designs he introduced to studio ceramics before his death in 2010.

Cal Tjader was a pioneering vibraphonist whose fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms helped define the Latin jazz genre. Over a career spanning five decades, he recorded more than fifty albums and collaborated with legendary artists. Tjader’s warm tone and rhythmic innovation won him acclaim among jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. He toured internationally, bringing Latin jazz to new audiences and influencing generations of percussionists. His recordings remain classics of the genre.