September 07

William Holman Hunt (1827–1910) was a pioneering English painter who co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848. He championed a style characterized by bright colors, meticulous detail, and symbolic storytelling. Hunt traveled extensively in the Middle East to create authentic Biblical landscapes, influencing his masterpieces such as "The Light of the World" and "The Hireling Shepherd". His commitment to realism and moral themes left a lasting mark on Victorian art. Beyond painting, he briefly served in a volunteer militia during periods of civil unrest, reflecting his dedication to social causes.

Alfred William Rich (1856–1921) was an English painter and writer who revolutionized watercolour technique. He promoted sketching en plein air to capture atmospheric light and natural detail, making the medium accessible to amateurs and professionals alike. Rich authored several acclaimed guides, including A Manual of Water Colour Painting, which emphasized spontaneity and direct engagement with nature. He taught at the Slade School of Fine Art and inspired a generation of artists to embrace simplicity and freshness in their work. His legacy endures through his paintings and pedagogical writings.

Frederic E. Weatherly (1848–1929) balanced a career in law with an extraordinary output as a lyricist and poet. He wrote over 3,000 songs, including the enduring classics "Danny Boy" and "Roses of Picardy". His literary work encompassed volumes of poems and popular ballads that resonated during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Weatherly collaborated with composers such as Ernest Ball and Haydn Wood, and his songs became cultural touchstones during World War I. His unique blend of legal acumen and artistic flair made him one of Britain’s most versatile creative figures.

Cecilia Beaux (1855–1942) was a distinguished portraitist whose elegant brushwork captured the spirit of America’s elite during the Gilded Age. Trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, she became the first woman to hold a solo exhibition at the Carnegie Institute. Her celebrated portraits include those of Theodore Roosevelt and novelist Jean Webster. Beaux also taught at PAFA, mentoring future generations of artists. She received a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, securing her place in American art history.

José Clemente Orozco (1883–1949) was a pioneering Mexican painter whose powerful murals addressed social injustice, revolution, and human suffering. Alongside Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, he helped establish the Mexican muralism movement after the Revolution. Orozco’s monumental works adorn public buildings in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and the United States, notable for their dramatic compositions and emotive use of light and shadow. His fearless social commentary and mastery of fresco technique left an indelible mark on 20th-century art and inspired generations of political artists.

John French Sloan was an American artist and etcher renowned for his candid portrayals of urban life in early 20th-century New York. A founding member of the Ashcan School, he captured the vibrancy and grit of city streets through his paintings, drawings, and prints. Sloan contributed illustrations to influential magazines like The Masses and Vanity Fair, merging social commentary with artistic innovation. His work influenced generations of realists and helped redefine American art away from academic tradition. He also taught at the Art Students League, shaping young artists until his death in 1951.

Charles Bud Fisher was a pioneering American cartoonist who introduced 'Mutt and Jeff' in 1907, one of the first successful daily comic strips. His characters, a tall thin man and his short stout friend, became cultural icons and set the template for modern comic panels. Fisher's strip ran for over 75 years, influencing countless cartoonists and expanding the popularity of newspaper comics. Beyond his artistry, he was a savvy businessman who insisted on owning his creation outright, a rare move at the time. His innovations helped establish the comic strip as a staple of American popular culture.

Ludwig Suthaus was a leading German tenor celebrated for his dramatic interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. He trained at the Dresden Conservatory and made his operatic debut in 1933. Suthaus became a principal singer at the Bayreuth Festival, earning acclaim for his roles in "Tristan und Isolde" and "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg." His rich voice and expressive delivery made him a favorite among European opera audiences in the mid-20th century. Despite career interruptions during World War II, he returned to the stage and maintained a distinguished presence until his retirement.

Dimitris Poulianos was a Greek artist celebrated for his vibrant paintings and detailed illustrations. His work captured scenes of rural Greece, urban landscapes, and folkloric traditions with a keen eye for color and composition. Poulianos exhibited his art in galleries across Greece, earning recognition for blending realism with expressive brushwork. He also contributed illustrations to books and local publications, enriching Greek cultural narratives. His legacy endures through the continued appreciation of his expressive style and dedication to depicting Greek heritage.

Holling C. Holling was an influential American artist and writer whose children's books introduced readers to geography and natural history. He gained fame with works like "Paddle-to-the-Sea," which combined narrative adventure with intricate illustrations. Holling began his career in journalism and cartooning before turning to full-length book design. His educational approach featured fold-out maps, diagrams, and vivid watercolor artwork that engaged young audiences. Over his career, he published several classic titles that remain beloved for their creativity and informative content.

Cecil Aronowitz was a distinguished violist who co-founded the Melos Ensemble in 1950, helping to reshape chamber music performance in Britain. Born in South Africa, he studied at the Royal College of Music before joining the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His rich tone and nuanced playing made him a sought-after recording artist and soloist. Aronowitz also taught at the Royal Academy of Music, mentoring generations of violists. His legacy endures through his recordings and the many musicians he influenced before his passing in 1978.

Keith Moon was the flamboyant drummer for the rock band The Who, whose innovative playing style redefined rock percussion in the 1960s and 1970s. He joined the group in 1964 and became known for his rapid, energetic fills and bombastic approach to the drum kit. Moon's on-stage antics and eccentric personality made him a legendary figure in rock history. He contributed to classic albums such as "My Generation" and "Who's Next," influencing countless drummers who followed. Despite personal struggles, his dynamic performances and creative spirit left an indelible mark on modern music.