November 05

Mariotto Albertinelli was a leading Florentine painter during the High Renaissance. A contemporary and collaborator of Fra Bartolomeo, he created serene religious compositions with balanced figures. His works, such as the 'Annunciation' triptych, demonstrate harmonious color palettes and refined draftsmanship. Albertinelli ran a workshop that trained emerging artists, influencing Florentine art beyond his own paintings. Though lesser known today, his contributions helped shape the visual language of 16th-century Italian art.

Kanō Motonobu led the influential Kanō school of painting in Muromachi-era Japan. He blended Chinese ink techniques with native Japanese aesthetics, creating dynamic compositions. As an official painter for the Ashikaga shogunate, he decorated castles and temples with large-scale screens. Motonobu’s workshop trained generations of artists, cementing the Kanō style as dominant for centuries. His legacy endures in the rich visual tradition that defined early modern Japanese art.

Angelica Kauffman was a Swiss-born artist and one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in London. Born in 1741, she achieved early fame for her graceful Neoclassical style and elegant portraiture. Her works often depicted mythological and historical scenes, combining emotional expression with classical form. Kauffman traveled across Europe, receiving commissions from aristocracy and European courts. She contributed illustrations for literary works and collaborated with prominent engravers of her time. Her success challenged gender norms, making her one of the most accomplished female painters of the era. Today, her vibrant compositions and refined technique continue to captivate art historians and enthusiasts.

Thomas Sully was a prolific English-American painter renowned for his elegant portraits and genre scenes. Born in England in 1783, he emigrated to America with his family as a child and established his career in Philadelphia. His luminous style, influenced by Thomas Lawrence, brought a sense of grace and softness to his subjects. Sully painted prominent figures including presidents, social elites, and literary icons of early America. He also created large-scale historical scenes such as The Passage of the Delaware, showcasing dramatic storytelling. Throughout his long career, he trained many students and helped found the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His works remain highly regarded for their technical mastery and historical significance.

Born in 1851 in Boston, Thomas Wilmer Dewing studied art in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme. He became a leading figure in the Tonalist movement, known for refined portraits of women in softly lit interiors. Dewing was a founding member of the Ten American Painters, advocating for artistic independence. His work was exhibited widely, earning praise for its subtle color harmonies and haunting atmospheres. As a teacher at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, he guided many emerging artists. Dewing’s paintings remain admired for their quiet beauty and technical mastery.

George M. Cohan was an American entertainer whose work shaped early musical theater. Born in 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island, he began performing with his family troupe as a child. Cohan wrote and composed over 300 songs, including classics like Yankee Doodle Dandy and Over There. He starred in numerous Broadway shows and owned the Cohan Theatre, earning him the nickname 'the Man Who Owned Broadway'. In addition to acting and songwriting, he authored plays and managed theatrical productions. His contributions to American entertainment were honored with a Congressional Gold Medal shortly before his death in 1942. Cohan's influence endures in Broadway traditions and the standards of musical theater.

Joseph Stella was an Italian-American painter who became a leading figure in American Precisionism. Born in 1877 in Muro Lucano, Italy, he emigrated to the United States in 1896 to pursue his art career. Stella's bold compositions and vibrant use of color captured the dynamism of urban and industrial scenes. His famous series depicting the Brooklyn Bridge fused modernist abstraction with representational motifs. Throughout his career, he experimented with Futurist and Cubist influences to create a unique visual language. Stella exhibited widely during the 1920s and 1930s and influenced generations of American modern artists. His works are held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA.

Maurice Utrillo was a French artist celebrated for his evocative depictions of Parisian streets and architecture. Born in 1883 to painter Suzanne Valadon, he struggled with mental health and alcoholism during his youth. Despite these challenges, Utrillo developed a distinctive style characterized by white-tinged buildings and textured surfaces. His paintings often focused on the Montmartre district, capturing its charm and atmosphere. Utrillo exhibited widely during the interwar years and earned critical acclaim for his urban landscapes. He received honors such as the French Legion of Honor for his contributions to art. Utrillo produced over 1,000 works before his death in 1955, leaving a significant legacy in modern painting.

Art Tatum was an American jazz pianist whose virtuosity and harmony transformed the genre. Born in 1909 in Toledo, Ohio, he overcame legal blindness to master the piano with dazzling speed and precision. Tatum recorded solo and trio sessions that showcased his complex chordal structures and lightning-fast runs. Fellow musicians hailed him as the greatest pianist of his era, citing his influence on jazz standards and performance. Despite health and financial challenges, Tatum maintained an active touring and recording career. His recordings from the 1930s and 1940s continue to be studied and admired by jazz enthusiasts. Tatum's legacy endures in the technique and creativity of modern jazz pianists.

Born in 1925 in Los Angeles, Horton rose to fame blending country music with rockabilly rhythms. His energetic guitar playing and storytelling lyrics earned him a devoted following in the 1950s. In 1959, he topped the charts with the historical ballad "The Battle of New Orleans", which won a Grammy. Horton toured extensively, influencing future rock and country artists with his dynamic stage presence. His career was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1960 at the age of 35. Despite his brief career, his recordings remain influential in the rockabilly and country genres.

Born in 1916 in the United States, Buddy Cole began performing in nightclubs at an early age. He became a sought-after studio musician and served as a staff pianist for CBS and NBC radio broadcasts. Cole formed his own trio and quartet, blending jazz, popular tunes, and improvisation in intimate settings. He appeared regularly on television variety shows and accompanied leading vocalists of his era. Known for his elegant technique and versatility, he influenced future generations of pianists. Cole passed away in 1964, leaving behind a rich catalog of recordings and arrangements.

Born in 1902 in London, Ontario, Lombardo founded the dance band The Royal Canadians in 1924. His smooth orchestra sound became synonymous with festive celebrations across North America. Lombardo's rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" is a New Year’s Eve tradition in many households. He hosted radio and television broadcasts, bringing his music to millions of listeners. Over his career, he recorded hundreds of popular tunes and sold millions of records. His annual New Year's Eve concerts at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York were legendary. Lombardo passed away in 1977, but his holiday legacy endures.