November 02

Born in 1699 in Paris, Chardin trained under a silversmith before turning to painting. He mastered the genre of still life, rendering ordinary objects with remarkable realism and subtle lighting. Chardin’s domestic interiors and depictions of children introduced a gentle humanism to 18th-century art. Elected to the Royal Academy in 1728, he exhibited regularly at the Salon for over four decades. His work influenced later Realist painters with its focus on ordinary subjects and careful composition. Chardin died in 1779, leaving a legacy as one of France’s greatest masters of everyday beauty.

Émile Bayard (1837–1891) was a prolific French illustrator and painter. He provided the famous illustration of Cosette for Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables,' shaping the visual imagination of the novel. Bayard also illustrated adventures by Jules Verne, including 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas' and 'From the Earth to the Moon.' His delicate line work and evocative scenes brought 19th-century literature to life for readers. Bayard's contributions bridged the worlds of fine art and popular fiction during France's Belle Époque.

Marion Jones Farquhar (1879–1965) was an American tennis player and violinist known for her pioneering achievements in both fields. In 1900, she became the first American woman to compete at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals. She won the inaugural women's singles title at the U.S. National Championships in 1899. Beyond her athletic prowess, she was a skilled violinist, performing in concerts and recitals. Farquhar balanced her sporting and musical talents, gaining recognition in both arenas. Her achievements helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes and musicians. She remained active in tennis and music throughout her life, inspiring many with her versatility.

Luchino Visconti began his career in the arts as a set designer and critic before directing his first film, "Ossessione," in 1943. A key figure in Italian neorealism, he crafted films like "La Terra Trema" and became renowned for his humanistic storytelling. He later directed celebrated works such as "The Leopard" and "Death in Venice," noted for their sumptuous visuals and complex characters. Visconti’s aristocratic background informed his interest in themes of power, decay, and social change. His blend of realism and operatic grandeur has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains a benchmark in world cinema.

Bunny Berigan rose to fame in the early 1930s as a featured soloist with top orchestras led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. In 1937, he formed his own band and recorded the enduring hit "I Can't Get Started", showcasing his warm, expressive tone. Despite struggles with alcoholism, his technical prowess and soulful improvisations made him a standout figure in jazz. Berigan’s recordings capture the energy and optimism of the Swing Era and continue to influence trumpet players today. His career, though cut tragically short at age 33, left a lasting mark on American music.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Van Gelder built his first recording studio in his parents' home. He engineered landmark jazz sessions for Blue Note, Prestige, and Impulse! Records. His distinctive 'Van Gelder sound' helped define modern jazz recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. Van Gelder collaborated with legends like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. In 1959, he opened the renowned Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. He received a Grammy Trustees Award in 1999 for his lifetime achievements in audio engineering.

Born in Coopersville, Texas, Walker became a popular country music singer in the 1950s and 1960s. He charted hits like 'Pick Me Up on Your Way Down' and 'Wild as a Wildcat.' Walker was also a skilled guitarist whose style reflected classic honky-tonk traditions. In addition to recording, he worked as a radio DJ, promoting country music across Texas. His performances and recordings helped shape the sound of mid-century country music. Walker remains remembered for his energetic stage presence and heartfelt songwriting.

Born in Johnsville, Pennsylvania, Ditko began drawing comics influenced by early pulp magazines. He co-created Marvel Comics icons Spider-Man and Doctor Strange alongside Stan Lee. Ditko's dynamic art style and storytelling set new standards for superhero comics in the 1960s. He later worked for Charlton Comics and independent publishers, exploring personal philosophical themes. Ditko was known for his reclusive nature and dedication to Objectivist philosophy. He received industry accolades for his lasting impact on comic art and narrative.

Phil Woods emerged as a leading alto saxophonist during the golden age of jazz. He collaborated with greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman, shaping modern jazz soundscapes. As a composer, Woods wrote memorable pieces blending complex harmony with vibrant improvisation. In 1968, he formed the Phil Woods Quartet, touring internationally and recording acclaimed albums. His soulful playing earned him multiple Grammy Awards and widespread admiration. Woods also devoted time to education, teaching masterclasses and nurturing young talent until his death in 2015.

Josse Goffin (1938–2024) was a Belgian artist and graphic novelist whose work blended fine art and sequential storytelling. His graphic novels explored themes of identity, memory, and social justice through evocative imagery. Goffin's paintings and illustrations were exhibited in galleries across Europe, earning him critical acclaim. Renowned for his mastery of composition and color, he influenced a generation of comic artists. His creative legacy endures in the world of graphic literature.

Richard Serra is an influential figure in contemporary sculpture known for his large-scale, site-specific installations. Working primarily with weathering steel, Serra's works challenge perceptions of space, gravity, and form. Since the 1960s, he has exhibited in major museums and public art venues worldwide. An educator as well, Serra has taught at universities including Yale and MIT, influencing generations of artists. His groundbreaking approach has earned him international acclaim and reshaped the landscape of modern sculpture.