November 17

A pupil and collaborator of the famed Fra Angelico, Strozzi contributed to important frescoes in Florence. He specialized in devotional works, blending Gothic elegance with emerging Renaissance naturalism. His illuminated manuscripts and panel paintings were prized by the Medici family and other patrons. Strozzi's refined style influenced the development of Florentine painting in the mid-15th century. Although less celebrated today, his surviving works demonstrate the transition between medieval and Renaissance art.

Born Agnolo di Cosimo, Bronzino became court painter to Cosimo I de' Medici. His refined portraits captured the sophistication of the Medici court and other European elites. He also produced religious and mythological compositions marked by cool elegance and elaborate detail. Bronzino's style influenced both Tuscan art and Mannerist painters across Italy. His masterpieces include the Portrait of Eleonora di Toledo and the allegorical painting "Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time."

Charles Lock Eastlake was born in 1793 in Plymouth, England, and trained as a painter specializing in historical and genre scenes. He published the seminal Hints on Household Taste in 1842, shaping public appreciation of art and interior design. In 1855, he became the first director of the National Gallery, London, implementing rigorous acquisition standards and cataloguing systems. Eastlake also served as president of the Royal Academy, promoting British art at home and abroad. His writings on art theory and museum management left a profound legacy on curatorial practice. He died in 1865, remembered as a key figure in 19th-century art administration.

Born in 1816, Ambros studied composition and music theory in Vienna. He composed several chamber works and operas, though he gained greater fame as a historian. His landmark publication, Geschicht der Musik, offered one of the first comprehensive overviews of Western music history. Ambros combined scholarly rigor with clear prose, making complex topics accessible. He served as a professor at the Vienna Conservatory, influencing generations of musicians and scholars. His legacy endures in the field of musicology, where his works remain reference classics.

Isamu Noguchi was a Japanese-American artist and designer whose career spanned sculpture, public art, and furniture design. Born in Los Angeles in 1904 to a Japanese poetess and an American writer, he studied under Constantin Brâncuși in Paris. Noguchi gained acclaim for his iconic tables and sculptures that blended Eastern and Western aesthetics. He designed public spaces such as the UNESCO Memorial Park in Hiroshima and stage sets for Martha Graham. His work redefined modern design and architecture, earning major retrospectives at MoMA. Noguchi's legacy continues through numerous public installations and the Noguchi Museum in New York.

Born in 1919 in Korea, Kim Heungsou studied art in Japan before returning home to teach at major universities. Known for blending traditional Korean calligraphy with Western abstract art, his paintings feature dynamic lines and bold color palettes. Over a career spanning six decades, he exhibited widely in Asia, Europe, and North America. As an educator, he mentored multiple generations of artists, emphasizing both technique and individual expression. He authored influential texts on art theory, contributing to the academic study of modern art in Korea. His innovative fusion of styles earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime. Even after his retirement, he continued to paint and lecture until his death in 2014.

Born in 1920, Camillo Felgen became one of Luxembourg's leading singer-songwriters, performing in Luxembourgish, French, and German. In the 1950s, he gained recognition with popular recordings blending chanson and folk influences. He wrote and composed numerous hits, showcasing his lyrical versatility and melodic flair. Beyond the stage, Felgen worked as a radio host and music journalist, promoting local talent. His career spanned five decades, during which he became a cultural ambassador for Luxembourg. Known for his charismatic presence and clear vocal style, he left a lasting impact on the nation's music scene before his death in 2005.

Albert Bertelsen, born in 1921, was a Danish painter and illustrator celebrated for his vibrant, dreamlike landscapes. His work often drew inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Arctic and Scandinavian folklore. Using a vivid color palette and imaginative compositions, he created scenes that blend realism with fantasy. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he exhibited his paintings across Europe. He also illustrated books and magazine features, showcasing his versatile talents. Bertelsen's distinctive style influenced a generation of Nordic artists, and his works remain sought after by collectors. He continued to paint and inspire until his death in 2019.

Charles Mackerras was a celebrated conductor and oboist whose career spanned over six decades. He served as principal conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Mackerras championed the works of Czech composer Leos Janacek, earning international acclaim for his recordings. He introduced historical performance practices to modern orchestras through landmark Mozart and Handel cycles. Knighted in 1979, he was also honored with a Grammy Award and the Edison Award during his lifetime. Mackerras's legacy continues to influence conductors and orchestras around the world.

Robert Drasnin was an American composer and clarinetist best known for his work in the exotica genre. He began composing scores for television and film after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1957, he released Voodoo, an album that became a cult classic among lounge music enthusiasts. Drasnin's lush orchestral arrangements blended jazz, world music, and atmospheric textures. He taught music theory and composition at California State University, Los Angeles for over 30 years. Late in life, he reunited with fans to perform and record new material, ensuring his legacy in niche musical circles.

Arman was a French-American artist renowned for his innovative 'Accumulations,' sculptures of identical objects. He co-founded the Nouveau Realisme movement in 1960 alongside Yves Klein and Jean Tinguely. Arman's works transformed everyday items—such as violins and gas masks—into powerful artistic statements. He organized 'The Salon of the Refused' to challenge art-world conventions by exhibiting rejected pieces. Arman's large-scale public sculptures can be found in cities worldwide, from New York to Paris. Throughout his career, he explored themes of consumerism, destruction, and rebirth in modern society.

Masatoshi Sakai was a Japanese record producer active from the 1960s. He collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, producing albums and singles that helped shape the modern J-pop sound. Known for his keen ear for talent and distinctive production style, Sakai influenced a generation of musicians. Over his career, he produced dozens of hit records and was a respected figure in Japan's music industry. He continued to mentor emerging artists through his production company until his passing in 2021.