July 17

Isaac Watts published more than 750 hymns, including classics like 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and 'Joy to the World.' He applied his deep theological training to create songs that combined rich poetic language with personal devotion. Watts studied at Oxford and served as a Presbyterian minister, influencing the Nonconformist movement. His works also include theological treatises and educational texts for children. Considered one of the most influential hymn composers, his music remains central to Protestant worship. He passed away in 1748, leaving a vast legacy of devotional literature and music.

Born in Paris in 1797, Paul Delaroche studied under the renowned painter Antoine-Jean Gros and developed a passion for history painting. His works, including 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey', are celebrated for their emotional intensity and meticulous detail. Delaroche became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts where he mentored a generation of artists and shaped the academic style of the era. He received numerous honors, including membership in the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Throughout his career, he balanced his artistic practice with teaching, leaving a legacy as both a master painter and educator until his death in 1856.

Born in 1870 in Inverary, Scotland, Charles Davidson Dunbar joined the Highland regiments as a young man and quickly earned a reputation for his musical talent. He served in the Second Boer War where his piping boosted troop morale under challenging conditions. Dunbar was later appointed Pipe Major of the Royal Munster Fusiliers and served with distinction during World War I. He composed several enduring pipe marches and trained generations of military pipers. His dual legacy as a dedicated soldier and a master musician continues to inspire military bands around the world.

Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956) was a German-American painter and cartoonist whose work bridged Expressionism and Cubism. He began his career as a newspaper cartoonist before studying fine art in Germany. In 1919, he became the first faculty member at the Bauhaus school, teaching printmaking. Feininger's luminous cityscapes and harbor scenes are celebrated for their crystalline structures. He produced acclaimed lithographs and woodcuts, influencing graphic arts across Europe. In 1937, he emigrated to the United States, continuing to exhibit and teach. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of modernist art and design.

Many Benner (1873–1965) was a French painter celebrated for his refined figure paintings and serene landscapes. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and exhibited at the Paris Salon beginning in the late 19th century. His work is characterized by a delicate color palette, graceful compositions, and attention to detail. Benner taught at private academies, influencing a generation of young artists. He contributed illustrations to leading art journals of his time. His paintings are held in private collections and occasional museum exhibitions. Today, he is remembered for his elegant style and contribution to French figurative art.

Berenice Abbott (1898–1991) was an American photographer best known for her documentary images of New York City. From the 1920s through the 1930s, she captured the city's rapid architectural transformation in the project "Changing New York." Abbott's precise compositions and dramatic use of light highlighted urban structures and everyday scenes. She also worked as a science photographer, producing images that translated scientific concepts into visual form. Abbott dedicated her later years to teaching and preserving photographic history. Her work remains influential for its combination of artistic vision and documentary purpose.

Osmond Borradaile (1898–1999) was a Canadian soldier turned pioneering cinematographer in Hollywood. After serving in World War I, he entered the film industry and developed innovative camera techniques. Borradaile worked on notable films such as "The African Queen" and John Huston's classics. His expertise in location shooting and natural light cinematography earned critical acclaim. Over a career spanning five decades, he collaborated with leading directors and actors. Borradaile's contributions advanced film technology and inspired future generations of cinematographers.

Born in 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Began playing trumpet professionally in the 1920s with local jazz bands. Performed at Preservation Hall and across the city well into his centenarian years. Recorded with jazz legends and kept the traditional New Orleans style alive. Known for his clear tone, improvisational skill, and dedication to live performance. Played trumpet until age 103, earning the title of the world’s oldest professional jazz musician. Honored for his contributions to American music and his role in preserving jazz heritage.

Eleanor Steber was a pioneering American soprano noted for her versatility and powerful voice. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1939 and became one of the company’s leading stars for over two decades, excelling in roles ranging from Mozart’s Susanna to Strauss’s Marschallin. Steber was also an influential teacher and helped found the Santa Fe Opera, mentoring young singers. Her extensive recording career preserved performances of German lieder and contemporary American works. Steber’s artistry and advocacy for new music left a lasting impact on the operatic repertoire.

Bijon Bhattacharya was an influential figure in Bengal’s theatre and cinema during the mid-20th century. As a founding member of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), he championed socially conscious performances that addressed issues of inequality and colonialism. Bhattacharya acted in landmark Bengali films such as Dharti Ke Lal (1946) and wrote scripts that blended realism with folk traditions. He also performed and composed music, contributing to the evolution of modern Indian performing arts. Despite facing political challenges, his legacy endures in India’s cultural history.

Arthur Rothstein was a pioneering American photographer who documented the rural hardships of the Great Depression for the Farm Security Administration. His powerful images of dust storms, migrant workers, and impoverished families brought national attention to the era’s social struggles. After leaving the FSA, Rothstein worked for Look magazine and taught photography at the university level. He authored several influential books on photographic technique and history. His commitment to honest visual storytelling helped shape the development of documentary photography in the United States.

George Barnes (1921–1977) was an American guitarist celebrated for his role in early electric guitar jazz and country recordings. As a sought-after session musician in New York, he worked with artists like Tony Bennett and The Four Lads, shaping the sound of mid-20th-century popular music. Barnes also produced records and composed songs that showcased his technical mastery and versatility. He was among the first to record with a seven-string electric guitar, influencing generations of guitarists. Throughout his career, he released solo albums that highlighted both his instrumental skill and innovative approach to guitar tone.