January 13

Jan van Goyen was a prominent landscape painter of the Dutch Golden Age, celebrated for his subtle tonal style and atmospheric compositions. He specialized in depicting the Rhine, the Dutch coast, and the skies above windmills and canals. Over his career, he produced more than 1,000 paintings and numerous drawings, capturing everyday life along the water. His innovative use of muted colors and panoramic layouts influenced contemporaries and later generations of artists. Van Goyen's work is admired for its poetic simplicity and mastery of light.

Christoph Graupner studied music and law at Leipzig before accepting a post at Homburg in 1709 and then at the court of Hesse-Darmstadt in 1711. As Hofkapellmeister, he composed over 1,400 cantatas, numerous orchestral suites, and chamber works. His inventive harmonies and melodic richness earned him reputation rivaling J.S. Bach, who nearly succeeded him in Darmstadt. Despite modern obscurity, Graupner’s manuscripts reveal a masterful command of Baroque forms and expressive depth. He died in Darmstadt, leaving a vast and varied oeuvre.

Born Johann Christoph Friedrich von Müller, he earned the nickname 'Maler' (painter) from his early artistic pursuits. He became a key figure in the German Romantic movement, publishing lyrical poems, dramas, and short stories. His 1773 poem 'Lenore' inspired Sturm und Drang authors and influenced later Romantic poets. Müller also painted scenes evoking Gothic and medieval themes, blending visual art with literary imagination. Though less famous today, his hybrid talents exemplify the creative spirit of late 18th-century Germany.

Born Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier, he adopted the pseudonym Paul Gavarni for his satirical artwork. Gavarni contributed lithographs and caricatures to leading journals like Le Charivari and La Silhouette. His series depicting fashion, theater scenes, and social types captured the spirit of 19th-century Paris with humor and keen observation. He also designed book illustrations and collaborated on costume sketches for the theater. Gavarni’s work influenced later graphic artists and remains a vivid window into the Belle Époque.

Born in 1866 in the Russian Empire, Kalinnikov studied music and showed early talent on the bassoon. He worked briefly as a military musician before pursuing composition full time. His First Symphony in G minor received acclaim for its melodic richness and emotional depth. Kalinnikov's career was cut short by tuberculosis, which forced him to seek treatment in the Crimea. Despite his premature death at age 35, he left a lasting legacy in Russian orchestral music. His works are still performed widely today for their heartfelt lyricism.

Born in 1886 in Odessa, Tucker immigrated to the United States as a child. She rose to fame in vaudeville with her powerful voice and risqué humor. Tucker's Broadway and radio appearances made her a household name in the 1920s and 1930s. Known for songs like 'Some of These Days,' she broke social barriers with her bold performance style. Her career spanned nearly seven decades, influencing generations of entertainers. Tucker's persona and talent left a lasting mark on American popular culture.

Clark Ashton Smith was born in Long Valley, California, in 1893. He was a prolific writer for Weird Tales magazine, creating vivid fantasy and horror worlds. Smith was also an accomplished sculptor and painter, producing intricate art inspired by his literary visions. A contemporary of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, he helped shape early 20th-century speculative fiction. Despite living much of his life in relative isolation, his poetry and stories gained a devoted following. Today, he is remembered as a master of dark fantasy and a versatile creative artist.

Chaïm Soutine was born in Smilavichy, Belarus, in 1893. He moved to Paris in 1913 and became a leading figure among the École de Paris artists. Soutine's paintings are known for their intense colors, bold brushstrokes, and emotional depth. He often depicted landscapes, portraits, and still lifes with a raw, visceral energy. Despite financial hardships, his work influenced generations of Expressionist and Abstract artists. Today, Soutine's paintings are prized worldwide for their unique fusion of emotion and form.

Richard Addinsell was born in London in 1904. He gained fame for composing the 'Warsaw Concerto' for the 1941 film 'Dangerous Moonlight'. His lush, romantic style made him a sought-after composer for British cinema. Addinsell collaborated with leading filmmakers during the 1930s and 1940s. He wrote scores for films such as 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'. Beyond film, he composed orchestral works and songs for stage productions. Addinsell's music enjoyed popular success in concert halls after World War II. He passed away in 1977, leaving behind a memorable cinematic legacy.

Born in Odessa in 1904, Nathan Milstein showed prodigious talent on the violin. He toured Europe and the United States from a young age, earning acclaim for his technique. Milstein settled in America in 1938 and became a citizen during World War II. He was praised for his elegant style, precision, and rich tonal quality. Milstein premiered works by Bartók and Prokofiev and championed Baroque concertos. He made landmark recordings of Bach's solo sonatas and partitas for violin. Milstein also composed chamber music and taught masterclasses worldwide. He enjoyed a performing career spanning over seven decades before passing away in 1992.

Jack London was born in England in 1905. He competed as a sprinter in national track events during the 1920s. London also studied piano and performed in local recitals. He balanced athletic training with musical education throughout his career. Details of his personal life and later activities remain limited. He died in 1966, leaving behind a unique dual legacy in sport and music.

Yannis Tsarouchis was born in Piraeus in 1910. He studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts under Photios Kontoglou. Tsarouchis’s work drew on Byzantine iconography and Greek folk culture. He exhibited widely in Greece and internationally from the 1930s onward. His subjects ranged from landscapes and nudes to theatrical designs. Tsarouchis also worked as a costume and set designer for the Greek National Theatre. His vivid palette and stylized forms influenced a generation of artists. He passed away in 1989, leaving a rich legacy in modern Greek art.