August 02

Born in Dordrecht in 1627, Van Hoogstraten trained under Rembrandt in Amsterdam. He excelled in genre scenes, portraiture, and trompe-l’œil still lifes, mastering dramatic chiaroscuro. His innovative perspective boxes, or 'peepshows,' created immersive visual illusions. As a writer, his treatise 'Introduction to the Academy of Painting' advocated for the intellectual status of artists. He served as court painter in Vienna before returning to Rotterdam to teach. Van Hoogstraten died in 1678, leaving a legacy as both a practitioner and a theorist of Baroque art.

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was a French sculptor celebrated for creating monumental works. His most famous work, the Statue of Liberty, was a gift from France to the United States. Bartholdi studied architecture and sculpture in Paris and Rome, blending neoclassical and romantic styles. He also designed the Cour d'Or in Metz and various war memorials across Europe. Bartholdi's work reflected 19th-century ideals of liberty, progress, and national identity. His legacy endures in iconic public monuments that continue to inspire around the world.

John Radecki (1865–1955) was an Australian stained glass artist regarded as a pioneer in his field. He designed and executed windows for numerous churches, cathedrals, and public buildings across the country. Working primarily with the firm John Ashwin & Co., Radecki's designs combined intricate detail with vibrant color to tell religious and historical narratives. His notable works include stained glass installations at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Sydney Town Hall. Radecki's artistry and dedication helped to establish stained glass as a respected art form in Australia. His legacy endures in the many heritage windows that continue to illuminate sacred and civic spaces.

John French Sloan (1871–1951) was an American painter, etcher, and illustrator associated with the Ashcan School, which aimed to depict everyday life in New York City. He began his career as an illustrator for magazines and newspapers before turning to urban realist painting. Sloan's works captured the vibrancy and grit of city scenes, from street vendors and tenement life to steamship workers. His notable paintings include 'McSorley’s Bar' and 'Sixth Avenue Elevated', celebrated for their dynamic composition and social commentary. As a teacher at the Art Students League of New York, he influenced a generation of American artists. Sloan's legacy endures as a foundational figure in early 20th-century American realism.

Arthur Dove (1880–1946) is considered one of the first American artists to embrace abstraction. His work was deeply inspired by nature and often featured organic forms rendered in soft, muted colors. Dove exhibited with the Stieglitz Circle and participated in groundbreaking shows that challenged traditional art conventions. He also worked as an educator, teaching at various art schools in New York and New Hampshire. Over his career, Dove experimented with innovative techniques such as metal foils and wax painting. His legacy lies in his influence on subsequent generations of American modernists and his enduring exploration of the natural world.

Albert Bloch (1882–1961) was an American modernist painter who joined the influential Der Blaue Reiter circle in Munich. His work exhibited bold colors, expressive forms, and a blend of Cubist and Expressionist elements. After returning to the United States, Bloch taught art and continued to develop his distinctive style. He served as a professor at the University of Kansas for many years, influencing a generation of American artists. Bloch's paintings are held in major museums and are celebrated for their avant-garde approach. He is recognized as a key figure in introducing European modernism to American audiences.

Arthur Bliss (1891–1975) was a prominent English composer whose work spanned orchestral, chamber, and film music. He served as Master of the Queen's Music from 1953 until his death, composing official works for royal and national ceremonies. Bliss's compositions combined modernist techniques with English pastoral traditions, evident in pieces like 'A Colour Symphony' and 'Cello Concerto'. During World War II, he worked for the BBC and composed music for documentaries and radio broadcasts. As a conductor, he championed contemporary British composers and led performances around the world. Bliss's contributions helped shape the sound of British classical music in the 20th century.

Holling C. Holling (1900–1973) was an American author and illustrator celebrated for his educational children's books. His most famous works include Paddle-to-the-Sea and Tree in the Trail, which combined engaging narratives with meticulous watercolor illustrations. Holling's passion for geography, history, and art allowed him to create immersive stories that taught young readers about nature and exploration. His books received widespread acclaim and remain staples in children's literature. Holling's legacy endures through his distinctive blend of storytelling and visual artistry.

Hartmann studied in Munich and emerged as a leading voice in German composition during the mid-20th century. During the Nazi era, he withdrew his music from public performance in protest against fascism. His works, such as the 'Concerto funebre' and several symphonies, blend expressionist language with deeply personal and political themes. After World War II, he founded the Musica Viva concert series in Munich to promote contemporary music. His compositions are praised for their emotional intensity and innovative orchestration. Hartmann’s legacy endures as a figure of artistic resistance and post-war musical renewal.

Born in 1912 in Oslo, Håkon Stenstadvold studied at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts. He became renowned for his vibrant landscapes and figurative paintings inspired by Nordic nature and folklore. As an illustrator, he contributed to books and magazines, demonstrating versatility across media. Stenstadvold also worked as an art critic, writing essays that shaped public appreciation of modern art in Norway. He held teaching positions and mentored emerging artists throughout his career. His work was exhibited widely in Scandinavia and Europe, leaving a lasting legacy in Norwegian art history.

Félix Leclerc (1914–1988) was a seminal Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and actor who helped shape Quebec's cultural identity. His heartfelt ballads and folk songs captured the spirit of rural Quebec and became anthems for French-Canadian pride. As a poet, his lyrical works explored themes of nature, love, and social justice, earning him literary acclaim. In film and theater, he demonstrated his versatility as an actor, appearing in memorable productions. Leclerc's contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Order of Canada. His legacy endures through recordings, writings, and festivals celebrating his music.

Big Walter Price (1914–2012) was a key figure in Texas blues, blending boogie-woogie piano with soulful vocals. Born in Houston, he developed a distinctive style characterized by rolling piano rhythms and heartfelt singing. His 1950s recordings, including tracks like 'Pack Fair and Square,' gained regional popularity and influenced later blues and rock musicians. Price continued to perform live for decades, sharing stages with notable Texas blues artists. His authentic approach to blues piano earned him respect among aficionados. In later years, he experienced a revival of interest from international audiences. He left behind a rich musical legacy.