December 13

Donatello was an influential Italian Renaissance sculptor and painter born in Florence around 1386. He played a vital role in the development of Renaissance art by reintroducing classical forms and humanist ideals into sculpture. His mastery of bas-relief gave a new sense of depth and realism to the medium. Notable works include the bronze 'David', the marble 'Saint George', and the Penitent Magdalene. Donatello's innovative techniques influenced generations of artists, including Michelangelo and Verrocchio. He was also active as a painter, though only a few of his panel paintings survive. Throughout his career, Donatello pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving a lasting legacy on European art. He died in Florence on December 13, 1466.

Charles de La Fosse was a French Baroque painter born in Paris in 1640 who trained under Charles Le Brun and later studied in Rome. His time in Italy exposed him to the works of Venetian masters, inspiring his use of vibrant color and luminous compositions. Upon returning to France, de La Fosse contributed to the decoration of the Château de Versailles and the Louvre, creating grand murals and ceilings. His joyful scenes and refined palette influenced a younger generation of French painters, playing a key role in the revival of decorative art under Louis XIV. De La Fosse also served as Director of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, shaping the academy's standards. His style bridged the opulence of Baroque with early hints of Rococo elegance. He passed away on December 13, 1716, leaving a legacy as one of France's most celebrated court painters.

Born in London in 1825, Augustus Le Plongeon gained fame for his mid-19th century expeditions to the Yucatán Peninsula, where he meticulously photographed Maya ruins at Chichen Itza and other sites. He published illustrated accounts blending archaeology with adventurous narratives, proposing controversial theories linking Maya culture to Atlantis and ancient Egypt. Le Plongeon's work captivated European audiences with vivid images and imaginative interpretations, despite criticism from academic scholars. His photographic plates remain valuable records of pre-restoration archaeology. Le Plongeon's blend of visual documentation and historical speculation ushered in new interest in Mesoamerican studies before his death in 1908.

Arthur Wesley Dow was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1857 and studied art in Paris before returning to the United States. He became a key proponent of Japonism, emphasizing composition, line, and simplicity in his teachings. Dow served as director of the art department at the Pratt Institute, where his textbook "Composition" inspired students like Georgia O’Keeffe. He also produced evocative photographs and prints reflecting his design philosophy. Dow's integration of Eastern aesthetics helped pave the way for modernist movements in American art. He died in 1922, leaving a lasting legacy in art education and design theory.

Born in 1853 on the island of Samos, Georgios Jakobides studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich before returning to Greece. As the first director of the Athens School of Fine Arts, he introduced rigorous academic standards and nurtured a new generation of Greek artists. Jakobides became celebrated for his sensitive genre paintings, especially portraits and scenes of children, which demonstrated both technical skill and emotional depth. His work bridged traditional and modern artistic movements in Greece, and his paintings remain foundational pieces in Greek art history.

Born in 1868 in Macon, Georgia, Robert Robinson Taylor became the first African-American to graduate with a degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1892. Booker T. Washington recruited him to the Tuskegee Institute, where Taylor designed many of the school’s original buildings, including campus halls and workshops. As an instructor, he trained aspiring African-American architects and craftsmen in construction and design. His architectural style blended practicality with elegant detail, leaving a lasting imprint on the Tuskegee campus. Taylor’s career advanced opportunities for minorities in both education and architecture.

Born in 1866 in Moscow, Wassily Kandinsky first pursued a career in law before dedicating himself to art. He became a founding member of Der Blaue Reiter in Munich and later taught at the Bauhaus in Germany. Kandinsky’s theoretical works, such as "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," articulated his vision of painting as a form of inner expression. His bold use of color and form liberated art from representational constraints and inspired generations of abstract artists. Emigrating to France in 1933, he continued to create vibrant works until his death in 1944. His paintings remain cornerstones of modern art collections worldwide.

Born in 1874, Nicholas Roerich studied art in Saint Petersburg before embarking on archaeological expeditions across Central Asia. His luminous landscapes and mystical scenes reflected his deep interest in Eastern philosophy. Roerich founded the Roerich Museum in New York and proposed the Roerich Pact to protect cultural treasures during armed conflict. He developed the Agni Yoga philosophical system, blending spirituality and art into a unified vision. Roerich’s multidisciplinary work left a lasting impact on art, archaeology, and cultural preservation.

Born in 1879 in Philadelphia, John Raymond Hubbell began his career as a conductor and arranger for Broadway musicals and Victor Records. He composed memorable tunes such as “Poor Butterfly” and “Adios,” which became standards of the early 20th century. Hubbell’s work as a musical director helped bring orchestral recordings to a wider audience during the silent film era. His contributions to theater and recording technology earned him a reputation as a versatile musician. He continued composing and directing until his death in 1954, leaving a rich legacy of songs and arrangements.

Born Anna Mary Robertson in 1860, Grandma Moses took up painting at age 76 after arthritis made embroidery difficult. Her naïve style captured the charm of rural American life, with vibrant farm scenes and seasonal celebrations. Discovered by a collector in 1938, she held her first solo exhibition at age 78 and quickly gained national and international recognition. Her paintings adorned magazines, stamps, and books, symbolizing the American folk art revival. She continued to paint until her death in 1961 at age 101, leaving behind a joyful visual record of rural heritage.

Born in 1905 in New York City, Harry Barris began performing in vaudeville before teaming up with Bing Crosby and Al Rinker to form The Rhythm Boys in 1927. He wrote the popular song “Mississippi Mud,” which became a jazz standard. The Rhythm Boys’ success on radio and in early sound films helped launch Crosby’s solo career. Barris’s smooth vocals and piano playing defined the Jazz Age sound of the late 1920s. After the trio disbanded, he pursued a solo career as a songwriter and radio performer, remaining active in entertainment until his death in 1962.

Zal Yanovsky (1944–2002) was a founding member and lead guitarist of the influential 1960s rock group The Lovin' Spoonful. He helped pioneer a folk-rock sound that blended melodic hooks with jangling guitar riffs. The band achieved international success with hits like Do You Believe in Magic and Summer in the City. After the group's split, Yanovsky explored solo projects and collaborations, showcasing his eclectic musical tastes. Known for his spirited performances and charismatic stage presence, he left a lasting impact on rock music.