October 31

Working primarily in Delft, Vermeer produced fewer than 40 known paintings, each distinguished by tranquil compositions and subtle light effects. He employed a luminous palette and careful perspective to evoke quiet moments of 17th-century Dutch life. Despite his talent, he was relatively obscure until the 19th century when art historians rediscovered his work. Vermeer’s innovative techniques, possibly including the use of a camera obscura, continue to fascinate scholars and artists. His paintings command high esteem and are exhibited in major museums worldwide. Vermeer is remembered as one of the most influential figures of the Dutch Golden Age.

Born in Amsterdam in 1638, Meindert Hobbema was a leading figure of the Dutch Golden Age of painting. He apprenticed under Jacob van Ruisdael and specialized in idyllic forest landscapes and watermill scenes. His meticulous brushwork and skillful composition brought to life tranquil rural vistas bathed in soft light. Among his most celebrated works are The Avenue at Middelharnis and Forest Scene near Heemstede. Although little recognized in his lifetime, his work was rediscovered in the 19th century and admired by landscape painters across Europe. Today, his paintings are held in major museums and continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.

Born Francesco Bernardi, he became known as Senesino and rose to prominence as one of the most celebrated castrato singers of the early 18th century. He captivated audiences in Italy and later in London, where he performed leading roles in Handel's operas such as Giulio Cesare. Renowned for his powerful voice, impeccable technique and charismatic stage presence, Senesino helped shape the operatic traditions of his time. His rivalry with soprano Francesca Cuzzoni drew public fascination and heightened the popularity of opera in England. He returned to Italy late in life and retired with a fortune amassed from his illustrious career. Senesino's influence endured long after his death in 1758, paving the way for future generations of singers.

Katsushika Hokusai was a pioneering Japanese ukiyo-e artist of the Edo period. He produced tens of thousands of works in various media, including woodblock prints, paintings, and book illustrations. His masterpiece, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, features the iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Hokusai's dynamic compositions and innovative perspectives had a lasting influence on Japanese art. He adopted over thirty pseudonyms throughout his career, reflecting his evolving style. His work inspired Western artists during the Impressionist and Japonisme movements. Even today, Hokusai's prints remain celebrated worldwide for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Born in 1879 in Prague, Karel Hašler began his career in cabaret before rising to prominence on stage and screen. He wrote and composed hundreds of popular songs, becoming a voice of Czech national sentiment. Hašler directed and acted in numerous films during the silent and early sound eras. His artistic work embodied Czech culture under the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the First Republic. During WWII, Hašler was arrested by the Gestapo for his patriotic songs and died in Dachau in 1941. He remains celebrated for his contributions to Czech arts and national identity.

Born in 1883 in Paris, Marie Laurencin studied at the Académie Humbert alongside Picasso and Braque. Her delicate palette and graceful forms set her work apart within the Cubist circle. Laurencin illustrated publications for leading writers, including Guillaume Apollinaire. She showcased her paintings in major salons, gaining recognition across Europe. Her art celebrated femininity and modern womanhood against traditional conventions. Laurencin's legacy endures in galleries worldwide as a pioneer of early 20th-century art.

Ethel Waters rose from poverty in Chester, Pennsylvania, to become one of the most celebrated performers of her time. She began her career singing blues in vaudeville and quickly gained acclaim for her powerful voice. Waters made history as the first African American woman to star in a television show and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for "Pinky". Her Broadway credits include standout roles in "Cabin in the Sky" and "No Time for Comedy". She was also the first black performer to integrate Broadway audiences at the Colonial Theater. Waters' legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment endures, inspiring generations of artists.

Asbjørg Borgfelt was a Norwegian sculptor whose career spanned the interwar and post-World War II periods. She studied at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts and developed a style characterized by graceful figures and careful material choice. Borgfelt created notable public monuments, including war memorials and civic commissions in Oslo and other Norwegian cities. Her work often reflected a deep sense of national identity and human dignity. She received several awards and was a member of the Norwegian Sculptors' Association. Borgfelt's sculptures remain on display in museums and public spaces, celebrated for their craftsmanship and emotional resonance.

Julia Lee gained popularity in the 1940s with her sultry voice and witty, often double-entendre-filled songs. Born in Missouri, she began her career singing with local bands before signing with Capitol Records. Her hits like "King Size Papa" and "I Want a Hot Dog for My Roll" became jukebox favorites. Lee's performances combined humor and sexuality, pushing boundaries in popular music of the era. Despite her success, she faced racial barriers in the segregated music industry. Lee's contribution to blues and early rhythm and blues paved the way for future generations of female artists.

Born in Brooklyn in 1907, Edgar Sampson began playing violin before switching to saxophone. He joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the early 1930s and later arranged music for the Chick Webb band. His composition "Stompin' at the Savoy" became one of the most enduring standards of the swing era. Sampson also wrote "Don't Be That Way" and "I'll Never Be the Same," popular hits recorded by Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday. Beyond composing, he served as musical director for the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. Throughout his career, he contributed rich harmonies and sophisticated melodies that shaped big band jazz. He continued to work as an arranger and educator until his death in 1973.

Dale Evans was born Lucille Wood Smith in Uvalde, Texas, in 1912. She began her entertainment career as a radio singer before moving to films in the 1930s. Evans starred in numerous Westerns, often co-starring with Roy Rogers, whom she married in 1947. She wrote the iconic theme song "Happy Trails" that became a hallmark of their television show. Beyond acting and music, she authored children’s books and inspirational works. Evans broke barriers for women in the entertainment industry by taking creative control of her projects. Her wholesome image and faith-based advocacy made her a beloved figure until her death in 2001.

Born in Palo Alto, California, in 1912, Ollie Johnston joined Walt Disney Studios in 1937. He contributed to the animation of Snow White, Pinocchio, Bambi, and many other Disney classics. Johnston specialized in creating lifelike animal characters and emotional performances. He co-authored the influential book "The Illusion of Life," codifying Disney's animation principles. Johnston provided voices for minor characters in films such as Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. His work helped shape the golden age of animation, inspiring generations of artists. He continued to consult and lecture on animation until his death in 2008.