January 12

Jusepe de Ribera was born in 1591 in Spain and later became a leading figure of the Neapolitan school of painting. Influenced by Caravaggio, he embraced chiaroscuro to heighten the emotional intensity of his works. Ribera specialized in religious and mythological scenes, as well as powerful depictions of the human form, often with gritty realism. His masterpieces include 'The Martyrdom of Saint Philip' and portrait studies of philosophers and beggars. He spent most of his career in Naples under Spanish rule, earning the patronage of Viceroy Pedro Téllez-Girón. Ribera's bold compositions and vivid textures inspired generations of Baroque artists. He also dabbled in sculpture and printmaking, demonstrating his versatility. He died in Naples in 1652, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the foremost painters of 17th-century Europe.

François Duquesnoy was born in Brussels in 1597 and trained under local masters before moving to Rome in 1618. He established himself with commissions for churches and papal patrons, producing works characterized by grace, idealized proportions, and a refined classical influence. His most famous statue, 'Saint Susanna', showcases his mastery of drapery and serene expression. Duquesnoy's friendship with artists like Nicolas Poussin fostered a shared interest in antique art and harmonious composition. He also taught sculpture, influencing pupils who propagated his classical tendencies throughout Europe. Despite competition from contemporaries like Bernini, Duquesnoy maintained a distinctive approach emphasizing purity of form and balance. His letters and treatises reveal a thoughtful theorist of art who bridged Renaissance ideals and Baroque dynamism. He died in Rome in 1643, remembered as one of the era's leading sculptors.

Rosalba Carriera was born in Venice in 1673 into a modest family of weavers. She began her career painting miniatures and developed delicate pastel techniques that became her signature. Carriera's portraits of queens, dukes, and fashionable ladies earned her widespread acclaim and attracted patrons from across Europe, including Louis XV of France. Her mastery of subtle color transitions and soft textures elevated pastel from a minor medium to one of prestige. She also produced mythological and allegorical subjects, often infusing Rococo charm and elegance. Carriera's success led to the diffusion of her style through engravings and the work of her students. She was elected to prestigious European academies, breaking gender barriers in the art world. Carriera continued to paint and teach until her death in 1757, leaving behind a body of work that epitomizes Venetian Rococo refinement.

Born in 1711, Gaetano Latilla emerged as a prominent figure in the Neapolitan musical scene. He composed a series of operas that helped shape the early taste for opera buffa in Italy. His works were performed in major cultural centers such as Naples and Rome, earning him acclaim among patrons and audiences alike. Latilla's elegant melodic style and inventive orchestration contributed to the evolution of Italian opera. Despite the passage of centuries, his contributions remain a vital part of music history, illustrating the vibrant creativity of the 18th century.

Born in 1715, Jacques Duphly studied at the Paris Conservatoire and developed a distinctive style blending elegance and depth. As an accomplished organist, he held positions at several churches, captivating congregations with his performances. Duphly published four books of harpsichord pieces that remain valued by early music enthusiasts. His compositions showcase intricate ornamentation and expressive melodies characteristic of the late Baroque. After retiring from public life, his music continued to inspire future generations of keyboard players. Today, Duphly's works are celebrated for their refined craftsmanship and emotional subtlety.

Adolf Jensen was born in Hamburg in 1837 and emerged as a notable pianist and composer of the Romantic era. He studied under Theodor Kullak and gained acclaim for his expressive piano compositions and art songs. Jensen’s works, including salon pieces and lieder, are praised for their melodic richness and emotional depth. He performed widely and taught piano, influencing the next generation of musicians. Despite health challenges, he maintained an active career until his early death. Jensen died in 1879, leaving a concise but impactful body of music.

Jean Béraud was born in Saint Petersburg in 1849 to a French diplomat father and Russian mother. Settling in Paris, he became renowned for capturing the elegance and bustle of city life in cafes, streets, and theaters. His works, such as Paris Street; Rainy Day, combine realism with subtle humor and attention to contemporary fashion. Béraud exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, winning acclaim for his detailed genre scenes. His paintings offer a visual chronicle of Belle Époque society and social interactions. Béraud died in 1935, leaving a rich legacy of Parisian snapshots.

John Singer Sargent was born in 1856 in Florence to American parents and became one of the foremost portraitists of his era. He gained fame with his controversial portrait Madame X at the Paris Salon in 1884. Sargent’s technique is noted for bold brushwork, refined modeling, and nuanced lighting. Besides portraits, he created murals, watercolors, and landscapes, traveling across Europe and America. His ability to capture personality and elegance made him highly sought after by high society. Sargent died in 1925, leaving a prolific and enduring body of work.

Born in 1874 in Stockton, California, Armer developed a passion for photography and storytelling. Her children's novel 'Waterless Mountain' received the 1932 Newbery Medal for its sensitive portrayal of Navajo culture. She traveled extensively in the American Southwest, capturing everyday life through her camera lens. Armer's dual talents in writing and photography provided unique insights into early 20th-century Native American communities. She continued her artistic work and exhibitions until her passing in 1963.

Born in Venice in 1876 to a German painter and an Italian mother, he studied music in Munich and Venice. Wolf-Ferrari gained fame for his comic operas, notably 'Il segreto di Susanna,' combining melodic charm with sophisticated orchestration. He taught composition and influenced a generation of composers through his academic appointments. Throughout his career, he bridged the musical traditions of Germany and Italy during a period of cultural interchange. He continued composing and teaching until his death in 1948.

Born in Paris in 1899, Bernac gained acclaim for his warm baritone voice and refined musicality. He formed a celebrated partnership with composer Francis Poulenc, premiering many of Poulenc's mélodies. Bernac appeared in opera houses and recital halls across Europe and North America, specializing in the French song repertoire. Later in his career, he became a sought-after voice teacher and authored authoritative texts on singing. His recordings remain benchmarks for students of French art song and vocal interpretation.

Born in Tennessee in 1904, McDowell moved to Mississippi as a child and learned guitar in local juke joints. His raw slide guitar technique and soulful vocals defined the northern Mississippi hill country blues tradition. Discovered by folklorists in the 1960s, he recorded albums for labels like Arhoolie and Fat Possum. McDowell's music influenced rock and blues artists around the world, including the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt. He continued to perform at festivals and clubs until his death in 1972, leaving a lasting impact on American roots music.