January 09

Wilhelm Busch was born in 1832 in Wiedensahl, Germany, and studied art in Düsseldorf and Antwerp. He gained fame for his satirical poems and humorous illustrated tales, notably the mischievous story of 'Max and Moritz' published in 1865. Busch's innovative combination of verse and sequential illustrations is considered a precursor to the modern comic strip. He also produced evocative landscape paintings and etchings throughout his career. His biting wit and playful drawings influenced generations of cartoonists and writers. Busch's legacy endures in Germany and beyond as a founding figure in illustrated storytelling.

Born in 1853 in Boston, Edwin Arthur Jones studied violin and later became a sought-after orchestral musician. He composed a range of works including chamber music, songs, and the cantata 'Song of Our Saviour,' premiered in 1889. Jones held teaching positions at conservatories and mentored young musicians. His compositions reflected the romantic style of the late 19th century and were performed by local choral societies. Although his music fell into obscurity after his death in 1911, recent revival projects have brought renewed attention to his oeuvre. Jones's dedication to both performance and composition contributed to Boston's rich musical heritage.

Luther D. Bradley was an American illustrator and cartoonist active in newspapers and magazines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His humorous and satirical drawings captured social trends and poked fun at political figures. Bradley's cartoons were known for their expressive characters and clear narrative panels. Though many of his works appeared anonymously or under pseudonyms, they contributed to the popular press's visual commentary. Little is recorded about his personal life, but his surviving illustrations offer a window into the era's cultural and political climate. Bradley's cartoons remain part of the periodical archives cherished by historians of American graphic art.

Johann Strauss III was an Austrian violinist, composer, and conductor born into the famous Strauss musical dynasty. The grandson of Johann Strauss I and nephew of Johann Strauss II, he carried forward his family’s legacy in Vienna’s concert halls. Strauss composed numerous waltzes, polkas, and marches, often premiering them in Austria and Germany. He also conducted the Strauss Orchestra, preserving and promoting the works of his illustrious relatives. Though not as celebrated as his predecessors, he earned respect for his musicianship and dedication to classical Viennese repertoire. His leadership helped maintain the Strauss tradition through changing musical tastes at the turn of the 20th century. Strauss died in 1939, leaving behind a modest but valued collection of compositions.

Born in Sondrio, Italy, Nervi studied engineering before establishing his own practice in the 1920s. He became renowned for his innovative use of reinforced concrete, creating elegant, thin-shell structures. His collaboration with architects resulted in iconic buildings such as Montreal's Tour de la Bourse and Milan’s Pirelli Tower. Nervi’s designs combined structural ingenuity with aesthetic appeal, influencing modern architecture worldwide. He published several books on structural design and taught at universities across Europe. His legacy endures in numerous public and private projects that showcase functional beauty. Nervi was awarded prestigious honors and remains a celebrated figure in engineering and architecture.

Kazimierz Serocki was born in Warsaw, Poland, and emerged as a leading figure in post-war Polish music. He studied composition under Piotr Perkowski and later embraced modernist techniques, creating chamber, orchestral, and electroacoustic works. In 1956, he co-founded the Warsaw Autumn Festival, fostering the performance of new music in Eastern Europe. His compositions blend lyrical melodies with innovative structures and timbres, reflecting both Polish folk traditions and international influences. Serocki’s repertoire includes the Concerto for Orchestra, Suites, and solo pieces that remain staples of 20th-century music. He also performed as a pianist, giving recitals of contemporary works. Serocki’s lifetime achievements earned him prestigious awards and a lasting impact on modern composition.

Peter Lorck Rypdal hailed from Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, where he immersed himself in the region’s rich folk music traditions. A master of the Hardanger fiddle, Rypdal composed innovative tunes that blended classical and folk elements. His performances at local festivals and concerts helped preserve Norway’s musical heritage during the 20th century. Rypdal published collections of his compositions, ensuring that future generations could learn his distinctive melodies. He collaborated with other prominent folk musicians to promote Norwegian culture both at home and abroad. Rypdal’s work earned him recognition from cultural institutions and folk music societies. His recordings and manuscripts remain invaluable resources for enthusiasts of traditional Norwegian music.

Born in 1926, Maurice Prather developed a reputation as a skilled photographer and director in both documentary and narrative film. His work was marked by striking composition and inventive use of light, setting him apart in mid-20th century American cinema. Prather directed and shot a variety of projects ranging from short documentaries to feature films. His mentorship and collaborative spirit influenced a generation of filmmakers. Though not widely known today, his visual legacy endures in archives and film societies appreciative of his artistic vision.

Born around 1930 in the Western Desert, Makinti Napanangka emerged as a leading voice in the contemporary Aboriginal art movement. Her paintings, characterized by intricate dot work and bold color contrasts, depict sacred sites and dreaming stories of her Pintupi heritage. She won multiple national awards, including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award in 2004. Her work has been exhibited internationally, bringing global attention to Indigenous cultural narratives. Makinti’s art continues to inspire a deeper appreciation of Australia’s oldest living cultures.

Paul du Toit (1965–2014) was a South African artist celebrated for his expressive style. Working in both painting and sculpture, he explored themes of identity and memory. Du Toit’s vibrant canvases often featured bold color palettes and abstract forms. His sculptural pieces showcased a mastery of material and form, blurring boundaries between mediums. Through exhibitions in galleries across South Africa, he influenced the contemporary art scene.

Maria Ewing was born in Chicago in 1950 and trained at the Curtis Institute of Music. She made her professional debut in 1973 at the Glyndebourne Festival, gaining international acclaim. Ewing was praised for her interpretations of Mozart heroines and Verdi's complex female characters. Her performance as Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera showcased both her vocal depth and acting prowess. She collaborated with renowned conductors and directors across major opera houses worldwide. Ewing's artistic legacy includes landmark recordings and mentorship of young singers. She passed away on January 9, 2022, remembered for her fearless artistry and emotional intensity.

Séamus Begley (1949-2023) was a master Irish accordion player and fiddler. Born in 1949, he grew up immersed in the vibrant heritage of Irish traditional music. His fiery playing style and deep understanding of Gaelic songs brought fresh energy to the traditional scene. Over his five-decade career, he recorded numerous acclaimed albums and collaborated with leading musicians. Begley toured internationally, sharing the sounds of Ireland at major folk festivals worldwide. He also mentored younger artists, leaving a lasting influence on future generations of traditional musicians.