January 05

Born in 1498 in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia). He studied and worked in Italy, becoming famous for his miniature paintings. Often called the "Michelangelo of the miniature", he produced masterpieces like the Farnese Hours. His work for patrons such as Cardinal Alessandro Farnese showcased his skill in color and detail. Clovio's legacy endures in collections across Europe.

Born in Venice in 1667, Lotti became a prominent composer at St. Mark’s Basilica. He crafted masses, motets, oratorios, and operas characterized by intricate counterpoint. As a teacher at the Ospedale degli Incurabili, he influenced a generation of Venetian musicians. His works, including the celebrated Crucifixus, exemplify the grandeur of Baroque sacred music. Lotti died on January 5, 1740, leaving a rich legacy in church and operatic music.

Born in London in 1753, Smirke specialized in small-scale depictions of everyday life. He became a Royal Academician in 1800 and later served as Professor of Painting. Smirke illustrated editions of Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield and Scott’s works. His delicate lines and atmospheric touches influenced the British sentimental tradition. He died on January 5, 1845, having contributed to the golden age of English book illustration.

Born in New York in 1812, Alfred Thomas Agate trained under his brother Frederick Styles Agate. He joined the United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842) and produced hundreds of scientific illustrations. A master of lithography, his works captured remote regions and contributed to early natural history studies. His detailed drawings of flora, fauna, and landscapes remain valuable records for researchers and collectors. Despite his premature death at age 34, Agate’s art continues to inspire historians and art enthusiasts.

Henri Herz was born in 1803 and emerged as one of the most admired pianists of his era, touring across Europe. He composed numerous piano concertos, études, and salon pieces that were staples of 19th-century musical life. In Paris, he founded a successful piano manufacturing business that bore his name and produced instruments renowned for quality. Herz also taught at the Paris Conservatoire, mentoring a generation of pianists in the Romantic tradition. His combination of performance, composition, and entrepreneurship made him a leading figure in European musical culture.

Born in London in 1865, Isobel Lilian Gloag studied art in Paris and at the Académie Julian. Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite and Symbolist movements, she developed a distinctive style characterized by delicate lines and muted color palettes. Gloag exhibited her work at the Royal Academy and the Grosvenor Gallery, earning acclaim for her ethereal figures and poetic compositions. She received commissions for stained-glass designs and public murals, showcasing her versatility across mediums. Despite struggling with ill health, she maintained a prolific output until her untimely death in 1917.

Born in Udine, Italy, in 1896, Tina Modotti emigrated to the United States as a young woman before settling in Mexico City in the 1920s. She began her career as a model and actress in Mexican silent films, working with photographers like Edward Weston. Modotti's striking compositions and keen eye for social issues made her a leading figure in the Mexican Renaissance art scene. She joined the Communist Party and used her camera to document workers, indigenous communities, and political rallies. Her photography combined artistic innovation with a commitment to social justice, influencing generations of documentary photographers. Modotti's life was marked by passion and controversy until her death in 1942.

Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois, known as Mistinguett, was born in 1875 and became one of France’s most celebrated stage stars. She rose to fame at the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère, captivating audiences with her charisma and vocal talent. In the early 20th century, she was considered the highest-paid female entertainer in the world. Mistinguett composed and performed numerous hit songs, leaving a lasting mark on French popular music. Her flamboyant costumes and energetic dance routines set a new standard for cabaret performance. She also appeared in early films, expanding her influence beyond the stage. Mistinguett remained active in show business into her later years, embodying the spirit of Parisian nightlife until her death in 1956.

Roberto Gerhard was born in 1896 in Barcelona and studied composition under Arnold Schoenberg in Vienna. He drew upon Catalan folk melodies while exploring avant-garde methods, creating a unique musical voice. After the Spanish Civil War, Gerhard emigrated to the United Kingdom and became a professor of music at the University of Cambridge. He composed orchestral, chamber, and choral works, as well as pioneering early electronic music experiments. Gerhard’s film scores for British cinema showcased his versatile style and innovative orchestration. A dedicated scholar, he edited and promoted Catalan musical heritage during his exile. He died on January 5, 1970, influencing generations of composers with his fusion of tradition and modernism.

Douglas Shearer was born in Canada in 1899 and became head of MGM’s Sound Department during Hollywood’s Golden Age. He pioneered techniques in microphone placement and sound recording that set industry standards. His innovative work on films like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind” earned him eight Academy Awards for Sound and Technical Achievement. Shearer’s expertise expanded the possibilities of cinematic storytelling through immersive audio. He collaborated closely with directors and composers to integrate sound seamlessly with visuals. After retiring in 1956, his legacy endured as modern sound design continued to build upon his groundbreaking methods. He passed away on January 5, 1971, leaving an indelible mark on film production.

Lev Oborin was born in 1907 and won the inaugural International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1927. Renowned for his warm tone and lyrical sensitivity, he became a prominent concert pianist in Europe and the Soviet Union. Oborin collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors, championing Romantic and contemporary repertoire. In 1936, he joined the faculty of the Moscow Conservatory, where he taught generations of distinguished pianists. He also performed duo recitals with violinist David Oistrakh, creating one of the era’s most acclaimed chamber partnerships. Oborin’s recordings of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev remain benchmarks of pianistic artistry. He died on January 5, 1974, leaving a profound pedagogical and performance legacy.

Billy Bletcher was born in 1894 and became one of Disney’s first regular voice actors, most famously voicing Pete the villain in Mickey Mouse shorts. His distinctive deep voice brought life to characters in “Thru the Mirror” and “The Three Little Pigs.” Bletcher also worked on vaudeville and Broadway before transitioning to animated film. He contributed to Warner Bros. and MGM cartoons, showcasing his versatility as a voice performer. In addition to voice roles, he appeared on camera in comedies and musical revues. His career spanned over five decades, influencing generations of voice actors. He died on January 5, 1979, leaving a rich legacy in animation history.