October 12

Fritz Herlen (1449-1491) was an influential figure in the German Renaissance art scene, active around Ulm. His altarpieces and religious panels display meticulous detail and show the impact of Netherlandish painting. Though few of his works survive, his artistic vision helped pave the way for later German masters. Herlen's contributions lie in his seamless blend of northern European techniques with local traditions, making him a key transitional figure.

Piero della Francesca (1415-1492) was a master of perspective and geometry, whose frescoes such as La Flagellazione and The Resurrection are celebrated for their serene composition. He authored treatises like "De prospectiva pingendi" which influenced the understanding of linear perspective. His mathematical insights bridged art and science, making him a pioneer of Renaissance thought. Piero's blend of rigorous theory and stunning visuals continues to inspire artists and scholars alike.

Kanō Eitoku (1543-1590) was a leading figure of the Kanō school, revitalizing Japanese painting with bold compositions and gilded motifs. His grand folding screens, such as those at Azuchi Castle and Nijo Castle, showcase dramatic landscapes and powerful brushwork. As a teacher, he trained numerous disciples who carried on his style, cementing the Kanō school as Japan's dominant art tradition for centuries. Eitoku's work epitomizes the grandeur of Momoyama aesthetics.

Carel Fabritius (1622-1654) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and one of Rembrandt's most talented pupils. He developed a luminous style characterized by subtle plays of light and realistic detail. His masterpiece, The Goldfinch, showcases his skill in capturing textures and atmosphere. Fabritius's work served as a bridge between Rembrandt's dramatic chiaroscuro and the emerging Delft School. Tragically, his career was cut short at the age of 32 when he died in the Delft gunpowder explosion. Despite his brief life, his surviving paintings remain celebrated for their innovation and beauty.

Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist renowned for his landscape prints and depictions of everyday life. His series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō set new standards for composition and perspective in woodblock printmaking. Hiroshige's work captivated Western artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, influencing the Impressionist movement. He mastered the use of color gradations and atmospheric effects to evoke mood and season. Continuing the tradition of ukiyo-e, Hiroshige produced thousands of prints that remain celebrated worldwide.

Born in Valenciennes, France in 1827, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was deeply influenced by Michelangelo and the Baroque masters, blending drama with realism in his works. Awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1854, he honed his craft in Italy before returning to France. Carpeaux attracted imperial commissions under Napoleon III, decorating the Louvre and the Paris Opera House. His famous sculptural group La Danse caused both admiration and controversy for its energetic forms. Beyond sculpture, he also produced expressive paintings and decorative reliefs. Carpeaux's innovative style bridged Romanticism and Realism, leaving a lasting mark on 19th-century French art.

Lorenzo Perosi was born in 1872 in Tortona, Italy, and became a prodigy in sacred music composition. He studied under Franz Liszt's pupils and earned a reputation for his expressive choral works. Appointed director of the Sistine Chapel Choir in 1898, he revitalized its repertoire with his innovative oratorios. Perosi composed over 30 large-scale sacred works, blending traditional liturgical styles with Romantic harmonies. In addition to his musical achievements, he painted religious scenes reflecting his deep spiritual convictions. His music influenced generations of church musicians and composers seeking to renew liturgical art. Perosi died in 1956, leaving a legacy as one of Italy's foremost sacred music composers.

Born in Moscow, Serge Poliakoff fled the Russian Revolution and settled in Paris in 1923. He became a leading figure of the École de Paris with his non-figurative works marked by bold color fields and irregular shapes. Poliakoff's paintings were praised for their harmonious balance and rhythmic interplay of hues. He taught at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and influenced a generation of European abstract artists. Major retrospectives of his work have been held at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris. Poliakoff's legacy endures through his pioneering role in postwar abstraction.

Feodor S. Rojankovsky began his career as an illustrator in Russia before emigrating to the United States in the 1940s. He illustrated over 100 books, often featuring richly detailed depictions of animals and nature. His work on "Frog Went A-Courtin'" earned him the 1956 Caldecott Medal. Rojankovsky's vibrant palette and playful style captivated young readers for decades. He also produced fine art paintings exhibited in galleries across the US. His influence on children's literature illustration remains celebrated today.

Gene Vincent rose to fame in 1956 with his hit single 'Be-Bop-A-Lula,' which became a rock 'n' roll staple. His band, the Blue Caps, introduced dynamic guitar work and rebellious energy to the genre. Vincent's charismatic performances and leather-clad image inspired future rock musicians. Despite a car accident in 1955 that left him with chronic pain, he continued to tour extensively. His later work blended country and blues influences but never recaptured his early success. Vincent's legacy endures as a pioneer of rockabilly music following his death in 1971.

Born in 1953 in Athens, Georgia, Wilson co-founded The B-52's in 1976 alongside his art school friends. His distinctive guitar work on songs like Rock Lobster and Love Shack became hallmarks of the band's quirky style. Wilson embraced a blend of surf rock, punk, and dance rhythms, contributing to the band's global success. He also influenced the burgeoning new wave scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Wilson passed away in 1985 due to complications from AIDS, and his creativity continues to inspire musicians.

Born in 1913 in Ohio, Whitmore studied at the Cleveland School of Art and the Art Students League of New York. He became a leading illustrator for magazines such as McCall's and Ladies' Home Journal. Whitmore's elegant, fashion-forward images captured the optimism and style of postwar America. He later created advertising illustrations for major brands, blending realism with idealized beauty. His influence endures in contemporary illustration and design long after his death in 1988.