December 06

Born in Valletta in 1645 to the artist Pietro Paolo de Dominici. She traveled to Rome to study sculpture and painting under prominent masters. Her works include altarpieces and sculptures in St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. She was one of the earliest female Maltese artists to gain recognition in Europe. After returning to Malta, she ran an informal school for aspiring artists. Maria de Dominici also composed poetry reflecting her artistic vision and died in 1703.

Jean Frédéric Bazille was born in 1841 in Montpellier, France. A talented young artist, he befriended Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir in Paris, sharing studios and artistic ideas. Bazille's work featured luminous scenes of French gardens, portraits, and still lifes, blending realism with emerging Impressionist techniques. In 1870, he volunteered for the army at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War and was killed in action at the Battle of Beaune-la-Rolande. Despite his brief career, Bazille left behind a significant body of work that influenced Impressionism. His paintings are celebrated for their bright palette and expressive brushwork. Bazille's potential as a leading artist is remembered through his surviving masterpieces.

Joseph Lamb (1887–1960) was an influential American composer and pianist best known for his contributions to ragtime music. Discovered by publisher John Stark, he joined Scott Joplin and James Scott as one of the 'Big Three' ragtime composers. Lamb's compositions, such as 'American Beauty Rag' and 'Sensation', are celebrated for their melodic richness and technical innovation. Though not a professional musician by trade, his deep passion for ragtime led to a lasting legacy within the genre. After a period of obscurity, his work was rediscovered in the 1950s, prompting renewed interest in ragtime. Lamb's unique blending of classical influences with ragtime rhythms helped define the American musical landscape of the early 20th century. He died in 1960, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire pianists and composers alike.

Rudolf Schlichter (1890–1955) was a German painter and illustrator key to the Dada and Neue Sachlichkeit movements. Trained at the Berlin Academy of Arts, he embraced Dada's rebellious spirit before evolving toward a more objective, yet critical, representation of Weimar society. His works often featured sharp social commentary and satirical undertones. As an illustrator, he contributed to avant-garde journals, bringing bold line work and provocative themes to print. During the rise of Nazism, Schlichter's art shifted to reflect complex attitudes toward 20th-century turmoil. After World War II, he continued creating expressive portraits and landscapes, adapting his style to postwar contexts. His legacy endures through museum collections in Germany and his influence on modern narrative painting.

Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) was an American lyricist celebrated for his collaborations with his brother, composer George Gershwin. Together, they created enduring songs such as 'I Got Rhythm', 'Embraceable You', and 'They Can’t Take That Away from Me'. Born in Brooklyn, Gershwin's clever wordplay and melodic sensibility helped define the Golden Age of American musical theatre. After George's death in 1937, Ira continued writing for films and Broadway, earning an Academy Award for Best Song in 1947 for 'The Last Time I Saw Paris'. His lyrics combined wit, elegance, and a deep understanding of American vernacular. Gershwin also authored a memoir, 'Lyrics on Several Occasions', offering insights into his creative partnership. His work remains integral to the Great American Songbook, influencing generations of lyricists and composers.

Born in Dirschau, West Prussia, Alfred Eisenstaedt began his career in Berlin before emigrating to the United States in 1935. He joined the newly founded LIFE magazine in 1936 and over six decades shot more than 2,500 assignments and 90 covers. Eisenstaedt's humanist style and candid approach produced some of the most memorable images of the 20th century. His famous V-J Day in Times Square photo captured a sailor kissing a nurse and remains a symbol of postwar euphoria. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for his contributions to photojournalism. Eisenstaedt's work pioneered the use of 35mm cameras and natural light, influencing generations of photographers.

Born in Winnetka, Illinois, Eliot Porter studied psychology and chemistry at Harvard University before turning to nature photography. He began photographing bird specimens for the Museum of Comparative Zoology, then became one of the first to use color film for fine art nature images. Porter's groundbreaking books, including "In Wildness Is the Preservation of the World," showcased vibrant landscapes and botanical studies that fueled the environmental movement. He taught workshops worldwide and received the Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography. Porter's work bridged science and art, influencing generations of photographers and conservationists.

Born in Paris to Nobel Prize laureate parents Pierre and Marie Curie, Ève Curie studied piano at the Paris Conservatory before turning to writing. Her 1937 biography "Madame Curie" became an international bestseller, offering an intimate portrait of her mother's life. During World War II, she served as a war correspondent for the Free French Forces and later held leadership roles with the United Nations and UNESCO. Married to diplomat Henry Richardson Labouisse, Curie was awarded the French Legion of Honour for her humanitarian work. She lived to the age of 102, leaving a legacy as a talented musician, journalist, and humanitarian.

Born in Germany in 1913, Karl Haas trained as a pianist and conductor before emigrating to the United States. He became widely known for hosting the long-running radio program 'Adventures in Good Music,' where he introduced classical works to a broad audience. Haas's warm, enthusiastic style demystified complex compositions and attracted countless listeners. He held teaching positions at conservatories and universities, nurturing young musicians. Throughout his career, he recorded albums and gave concerts that showcased his interpretive skill. His contributions earned him recognition in both Europe and America for promoting classical music. Haas died in 2005, leaving behind a rich legacy as a performer and educator.

Born in 1916 in New York, Hugo Peretti formed a songwriting partnership with his cousin Luigi Creatore. The duo co-wrote classics such as "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Return to Sender" for Elvis Presley. They produced records for artists across genres and founded Mayfair Records and Roulette Records. Peretti's melodic style and production savvy helped shape the sound of 1950s and 1960s pop music. He was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and left a lasting impact on the recording industry before his death in 1986.

Born in 1920 in Concord, California, Dave Brubeck studied music at the College of the Pacific and Mills College. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951. The group's 1959 album "Time Out" featured "Take Five," which became one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time. Brubeck was known for experimenting with unusual time signatures and promoting racial integration in jazz. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and continued performing and composing until shortly before his death in 2012.

Born in Turin in 1921, Piero Piccioni studied both law and music before turning to film scoring. He composed soundtracks for more than 300 films, collaborating with renowned directors such as Francesco Rosi and Luchino Visconti. His style blended classical orchestration with jazz influences, creating memorable themes for comedies and dramas alike. As a jazz pianist, he recorded several albums and performed with leading musicians of his time. Piccioni's work remains influential, with his scores rediscovered by new audiences at film festivals. He continued composing until his death in 2004, leaving a rich legacy in Italian and international cinema.