July 28

Margaret of Durazzo (1347–1412) was a member of the Capetian House of Anjou and became queen consort of Naples and Hungary through her marriage to Charles III of Naples. Daughter of Charles of Durazzo and Maria of Calabria, she navigated complex dynastic disputes in the Kingdom of Naples. She played a key role in court politics and patronage of the arts and religion. Her alliances strengthened Angevin claims in Italy and Hungary. Margaret survived the turbulent reigns of her husband and nephews before her death in 1412.

Jacopo Sannazaro (1458–1530) was a leading figure of the Italian Renaissance who blended classical learning with vernacular poetry. Born in Naples to a noble family, he studied under renowned humanists in Florence and Naples. His masterpiece 'Arcadia' combined prose and verse to create an idealized pastoral world that influenced European literature for centuries. He also published Latin epigrams and elegies reflecting classical themes. Sannazaro's work bridged the gap between medieval traditions and modern Renaissance innovation.

William (1516–1592) inherited the duchies of Jülich, Cleves, and Berg, forming one of the largest territorial states in the Holy Roman Empire. He navigated religious tensions during the Reformation and maintained relative peace amid regional conflicts. William managed alliances with neighboring powers and fostered economic development in his territories. His diplomatic skills helped avert larger wars during a turbulent era. He died in 1592, leaving a legacy of stable governance in the Lower Rhine region.

Judith Leyster (1609–1660) emerged as one of the few recognized female painters in 17th-century Haarlem. A contemporary of Frans Hals, she mastered lively brushwork in lively tavern scenes, domestic interiors, and finely rendered portraits. Leyster ran her own workshop and was admitted to the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke in 1633. After marrying fellow painter Jan Miense Molenaer, her work was often attributed to male artists until modern rediscovery. Her innovative compositions and vibrant use of light and color have secured her place in art history.

Marguerite Louise d'Orléans (1645–1721) was the eldest daughter of Gaston d'Orléans and Marguerite of Lorraine. In 1661, she married Cosimo III de’ Medici, becoming Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Known for her fiery temperament and independent spirit, she frequently clashed with the Medici court over protocol and finances. After separating from her husband, she spent much of her later life in a convent in Paris under royal supervision. Her voluminous correspondence offers insights into 17th-century court intrigues and personal conflicts.

Charles Ancillon (1659–1715) was born in Metz to a prominent Huguenot family and studied law at Basel. Following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, he entered the service of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, as a legal advisor. Ancillon played a key role in negotiating Protestant refugees’ rights and shaping the principality’s legal system. He later became a professor of history at the University of Heidelberg, authoring influential works on political theory and law. His career bridged the worlds of scholarship and statecraft amid Europe’s religious conflicts.

Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746–1809) was a prominent South Carolina planter, lawyer, and politician. He represented his state in the Continental Congress and was one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. Captured by British forces during the war, he was held prisoner until a prisoner exchange in 1778. After the Revolution, Heyward resumed his legal practice and served as a judge on South Carolina’s highest court. His dedication to American independence and judicial service marked his enduring legacy.

Fabre d'Églantine (1750–1794) began his career as a stage actor in Paris before gaining fame as a playwright with works like 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' adaptations. Elected to the National Convention in 1792, he played a key role in naming the months of the French Revolutionary Calendar. Initially close to the Girondins, he later joined the Montagnards but fell victim to political rivalries. Accused in the Dantonist conspiracy, he was arrested and guillotined during the Reign of Terror. His life reflects the passions and perils of revolutionary France.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Bismarck (1783–1860) served as an officer in the Hanoverian army before retiring to pursue literary interests. He traveled extensively across Europe, documenting his observations in popular travelogues and novels. His writings combined detailed topographical descriptions with cultural and historical insights. von Bismarck’s work contributed to the 19th-century fascination with travel literature and Romanticism. He remained active in literary circles until his death in 1860.

Ignaz Bösendorfer (1796–1859) began his career as a piano builder when he took over a Vienna workshop in 1828. He established the Bösendorfer Company, which became known for producing some of the finest pianos in Europe, favored by composers like Liszt and Brahms. Granted the imperial warrant by the Austrian court, his instruments set new standards of craftsmanship and tone. Under his leadership, the company introduced innovations such as the extra bass keys and Viennese action. Bösendorfer’s legacy endures through one of the world’s oldest piano manufacturers.

Ludwig Feuerbach was a German philosopher and anthropologist best known for his critical analysis of religion and its influence on culture and society. Born in 1804 in Landshut, Bavaria, he studied theology before turning to philosophy and anthropology. His seminal work The Essence of Christianity challenged traditional religious beliefs by arguing that gods are human projections. Feuerbach's ideas on materialism and human nature influenced later thinkers, including Marx and Nietzsche. He advocated for a human-centered worldview and secular humanism, leaving a lasting legacy in philosophy and social theory.

Stefan Dunjov was a Bulgarian colonel who played a significant role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Born in 1815 in Vidin, he joined the revolutionary forces fighting for independence from the Habsburg Empire. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the few foreign officers to attain the rank of colonel. Dunjov's leadership in key battles demonstrated his tactical skill and commitment to liberal ideals. After the revolution's defeat, he was imprisoned and later returned to Bulgaria, where he continued to be celebrated as a national hero. He died in 1889, remembered for his bravery and dedication to freedom.