September 13

Born in 1431 in Ponti di Istrana, Andrea Mantegna trained under Francesco Squarcione in Padua, where he honed a sculptural approach to form and innovative use of foreshortening. His early frescoes in the Ovetari Chapel displayed striking realism and dynamic compositions. In 1460, he was appointed court painter to the Gonzaga family in Mantua, producing iconic works such as the Camera degli Sposi, which transformed interior space through illusionistic ceiling frescoes. Mantegna also excelled in engraving, with pieces like 'Battle of the Sea Gods' influencing printmakers across Europe. His blend of classical subject matter and rigorous perspective resonated with contemporary humanists. Mantegna died in 1506 in Mantua, leaving a profound legacy that shaped the course of Italian art and inspired generations of artists.

Kiel composed chamber works, piano pieces, and orchestral music characterized by lyrical melodies. He served as a professor at the Prussian Academy of Arts, training many leading cellists. His cello compositions are noted for their technical depth and expressive beauty. Kiel’s teaching and compositions influenced the development of German chamber music. Though overshadowed after his death, his works have been revived by modern ensembles.

Chabrier’s rhapsody "España" remains a staple of orchestral repertoire with its rhythmic flair. He composed the comic opera "L’Étoile," noted for its wit and harmonic innovation. As a pianist, he championed contemporary music and inspired younger composers such as Debussy. Chabrier’s music blended folk influences, humor, and advanced harmonies in the Paris salons. Despite health challenges, his creative spirit left a lasting mark on French music.

Sen combined lyrical poetry with melodic composition, creating songs that resonated with the public. His works celebrated nature, spirituality, and the early Indian independence movement. Trained as a lawyer, he chose to dedicate his life to literature and music. Sen’s songs influenced the development of modern Bengali musical traditions. His legacy endures in both literary circles and cultural festivals in Bengal.

Frederic Crowninshield was born in 1845 in Boston, Massachusetts. He studied painting in Paris and Rome, absorbing European artistic traditions. Upon returning to the United States, he became a prominent muralist, decorating churches and public buildings with allegorical works. Crowninshield also authored books on art history and design, including studies of Renaissance masters. In 1893, he helped found the American Society of Mural Painters to promote decorative arts. He taught at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, influencing a generation of American artists. Throughout his career, his fusion of classical techniques and modern sensibilities earned him widespread recognition.

Lili Elbe was born Einar Wegener in 1882 in Vejle, Denmark. She gained recognition as a painter, often modeling for her wife, artist Gerda Wegener. Over time, Lili experienced a deeply rooted sense of female identity and sought medical assistance to transition. Between 1930 and 1931, she underwent one of the world's first gender confirmation surgeries in Germany. The procedures were groundbreaking for transgender healthcare but carried significant risks. Complications after her final operation led to her death in 1931. Lili Elbe's life story later inspired the novel and film 'The Danish Girl,' highlighting her bravery and the early struggle for transgender rights.

William Heath Robinson was born in 1872 in London, England. He studied art at the Royal Academy Schools and Westminster School of Art. Robinson became renowned for his humorous illustrations depicting eccentric contraptions designed to perform simple tasks in convoluted ways. During World War I, he produced popular propaganda posters and satirical cartoons for newspapers and magazines. His name became synonymous in the UK with any complex, impractical device, akin to the American 'Rube Goldberg machine.' Robinson also illustrated books and published anthologies of his work. He continued to draw until his death in 1944, leaving a lasting influence on cartooning and popular culture.

Eugene Lanceray was a prominent Russian artist celebrated for his dynamic representations of horses, battle scenes, and folk life. Born in 1875 in St. Petersburg into a family of artists, he studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Lanceray's work combined classical academic techniques with a modern sensitivity to movement and form. He worked in painting, sculpture, and illustration, producing works that captured the spirit of the Russian people and their traditions. During his career, he exhibited widely across Europe and received critical acclaim for his bold style and technical mastery. Lanceray's legacy endures in major museums and collections that preserve his contributions to Russian art history.

Mary Brewster Hazelton was an American painter celebrated for her evocative portraits and genre scenes. Born in 1868 in Massachusetts, she studied at the Art Students League of New York and the Académie Colarossi in Paris. Hazelton's style blended academic training with Impressionist influences, capturing subtle light and intimate moods. She exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Chicago World's Fair. Hazelton was one of the early women artists to gain recognition in a male-dominated art world, winning several awards for her work. Her paintings remain in museum collections today, reflecting her significant contribution to American art history.

Leó Weiner was a central figure in Hungarian musical life, composing works that combined classical forms with Hungarian folk elements. Born in Budapest in 1885, he studied under Hans Koessler at the Academy of Music. Weiner's compositions, including his popular Serenade for string trio and harmonized folk song arrangements, are celebrated for their lyricism and craftsmanship. He served as head of the Academy's composition department from 1928 to 1939, mentoring a generation of influential composers such as György Ligeti and György Kurtág. Weiner also conducted orchestras and taught at conservatories across Europe. His legacy continues through his compositions and the many students who carried his pedagogical ideals into modern music.

Born in 1897 in Mudicondan, he trained under noted gurus and developed a distinctive singing style marked by rhythmic precision and melodic depth. As a musicologist, he documented rare compositions and produced scholarly writings that enriched understanding of Carnatic repertoire. Iyer's lectures and demonstrations popularized complex musical concepts among broader audiences. Over decades, he taught students who carried forward his interpretive insights. His legacy endures through recordings and publications that continue to inspire performers and researchers alike.

Born in London in 1882, Stokowski rose to prominence as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, where he shaped a rich, expressive sound. He championed contemporary composers such as Stravinsky and Sibelius, premiering new works and expanding the orchestral repertoire. His free-hand conducting technique and custom podiums became his signature. Stokowski introduced millions to classical music through his collaboration with Walt Disney on the 1940 film Fantasia. Throughout his long career, he held positions with major orchestras in America and Europe, leaving a lasting impact on the art of conducting.