January 31

Filippo Juvarra was a leading Italian architect of the Baroque era whose work shaped the urban landscape of early 18th-century Europe. Born in Messina in 1678, he studied in Rome and gained fame as a set designer for operas. Appointed chief architect to the House of Savoy, he oversaw major projects including the Basilica of Superga and the Royal Palace of Turin. Juvarra's designs are celebrated for their bold use of light and dramatic spatial compositions. He also contributed to projects in Madrid and Lisbon. His innovative approach blended architecture and theatre, leaving a lasting influence on European Baroque style.

Eligiusz Niewiadomski (1869-1923) was a Polish painter and prominent art critic who influenced early 20th-century Polish art. He studied at academies in Warsaw and Kraków and exhibited realist works influenced by the Young Poland movement. In December 1922, Niewiadomski assassinated Gabriel Narutowicz, the newly elected first president of the Second Polish Republic, citing nationalist motives. He was arrested, tried, and executed by firing squad in January 1923. The assassination sent shockwaves through Europe and marked a turbulent start for Poland's democracy. Niewiadomski's legacy remains controversial, blending artistic achievement with political extremism.

Auguste Herbin (1882-1960) was a pioneering French painter known for his abstract geometric style. He initially engaged with Cubism and later co-founded the Abstraction-Création group to promote non-figurative art. Herbin developed his own visual alphabet of shapes and colors, aiming to express harmony through form. His work influenced the broader abstract art movement in Europe. He remained dedicated to his vision of abstract art until his death in Paris.

Evert Taube was a Swedish composer, author, and singer celebrated for his ballads about the sea and Swedish folk life. Born in 1890 in Gothenburg, he traveled extensively in Argentina and Uruguay, absorbing Latin American rhythms that influenced his music. He published numerous collections of poems and short stories, blending maritime themes with evocative imagery. Taube's songs, including classics like “Dans på Brännö brygga” and the “Fritiof Andersson” series, remain cornerstones of Swedish music. A talented illustrator, he often provided artwork for his books and sheet music. His work earned him national recognition and continues to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.

Yves Allégret was a French film director and screenwriter known for his contribution to poetic realism after World War II. Born in 1907 in Dijon, he began his career assisting his brother Marc Allégret before directing his own films. His notable works include 'Dédée d'Anvers' (1948) and 'Une si jolie petite plage' (1949), praised for their atmospheric style and moral complexity. Allégret's films often explored human vulnerability and societal tensions in black-and-white cinematography. He collaborated with prominent actors like Simone Signoret and figures of the French New Wave. His influence can be seen in the evolution of French cinema, bridging classical realism and emerging modernist trends.

Born Eli Katz in 1926 in Latvia, he immigrated to the United States and adopted the pen name Gil Kane. Kane became a legendary comic book artist, working for both Marvel and DC Comics on titles like 'Green Lantern' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man.' His bold, kinetic style revolutionized superhero art and influenced generations of illustrators. He co-created iconic characters such as Iron Fist and Black Bolt. Beyond comics, Kane contributed to animation storyboarding and taught at art schools. He was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on the medium.

Suraiya Jamal Sheikh, known mononymously as Suraiya, was a celebrated Indian actress and playback singer of Hindi cinema's golden era. She starred in over 250 films between 1940 and 1963, delivering memorable performances in 'Mirza Ghalib' and 'Dastan'. As a playback singer, her voice captivated audiences with soulful renditions in hits like 'Yeh Kaun Chitrakar Hai'. Suraiya's on-screen romance with actor Dev Anand remains legendary. She received numerous awards for her artistic contributions to Indian cinema.

Moira Shearer was a renowned Scottish ballerina and actress, celebrated for her lead role in the film 'The Red Shoes' (1948). A principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet, she performed in major productions across Europe. Her ethereal stage presence and technical skill earned her international acclaim. In addition to her ballet career, Shearer appeared in theatre and television, including the musical 'Invitation to the Dance'. She was honored with an OBE for her contributions to dance.

Dorothea Tanning (1910–2012) was born in Galesburg, Illinois and became a leading figure in the American Surrealist movement. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and moved to New York, where her dreamlike paintings gained wide attention. In 1946 she married fellow artist Max Ernst, deepening her ties to the European avant-garde. Throughout her career, she explored painting, sculpture, printmaking, and writing, producing a rich and varied body of work. Her innovative use of space, form, and color influenced generations of artists in the postwar era. Tanning continued creating into her centenarian years, leaving behind a legacy of bold imagination and artistic exploration.

Anna Gordy Gaye (1922–2014) was an influential figure in the early Motown era as a songwriter, producer, and record label co-founder. She formed Anna Records with her sister Gwen and brother Berry Gordy, helping to launch hits for artists like Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells. Her songwriting credits include classics such as “Baby I’m Yours” and “Distant Lover,” showcasing her lyrical talent. She married singer Marvin Gaye in 1963 and collaborated with him on several musical projects. Beyond music, she managed artists and guided Anna Records’ success in a competitive industry. Her pioneering work paved the way for Motown’s global impact and inspired future generations of women in music business.

Miklós Jancsó (1921–2014) was born in Hungary and became renowned for his innovative filmmaking style. He studied drama and film before joining the Hungarian film studio as a director and screenwriter in the 1950s. Jancsó’s signature long takes and choreographed camera movements can be seen in masterpieces like “The Round-Up” and “Red Psalm.” His films often offered allegorical critiques of power, history, and oppression in Central Europe. He taught at film schools in Europe and the United States, influencing a generation of directors. Jancsó’s cinematic vision reshaped art-house cinema and remains celebrated for its poetic and political depth.

Rob Stewart was a Canadian filmmaker and conservationist renowned for his gripping marine documentaries. Born in Toronto in 1979, he gained international acclaim with his 2006 film Sharkwater, which exposed the global shark finning industry. Sharkwater won numerous awards and helped raise awareness of marine conservation, transforming Stewart into a leading environmental advocate. He co-founded the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation to support ocean protection initiatives and inspire a new generation of activists. Stewart's 2012 documentary Revolution examined biodiversity loss and the planet's ecological crisis, further cementing his legacy as a passionate storyteller. Tragically, Stewart died in a diving accident in 2017 while filming in Florida, leaving behind a powerful body of work that continues to influence conservation efforts.