February 04

Born around 1432 in Florence, Antonio del Pollaiuolo excelled as a painter, sculptor, and engraver. He and his brother Piero pioneered anatomical studies, most famously in the Battle of the Nudes engraving series. His sculpture 'Hercules and Antaeus' in bronze demonstrates his mastery of form and movement. He influenced later Renaissance artists with dynamic compositions and precise depictions of the human body. He died on February 4, 1498, leaving a diverse body of work that shaped the Italian Renaissance.

Born in Chioggia in 1517, Gioseffo Zarlino served as maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. His Le istitutioni harmoniche (1558) codified the rules of counterpoint and tuning systems. He advanced the theory of just intonation and linked theoretical ratios to practical music-making. His teachings influenced composers such as Palestrina and Monteverdi, shaping Western music tradition. He died on February 4, 1590, leaving a legacy as one of the most important music theorists of his era.

Josef Mysliveček was an 18th-century Czech composer known for his vivid operas and symphonies. Nicknamed 'Il Boemo' in Italy, he enjoyed great success on Italian opera stages during his lifetime. His works influenced Mozart, who admired Mysliveček's melodic style and expressive orchestration. He composed numerous operas, concertos, and chamber pieces characterized by lyrical beauty. Despite personal struggles, his musical legacy contributed to the development of classical form and style. Mysliveček's compositions remain performed today, reflecting his enduring influence on Western music.

Étienne-Louis Boullée was a pioneering 18th-century French architect and theorist of the neoclassical movement. He championed monumental forms and pure geometric volumes, as seen in his visionary but largely unbuilt designs. Boullée's 'Architecture' treatises emphasized the emotional impact of light, scale, and simplicity in buildings. His concepts for grandiose memorials and public edifices inspired later architects and modernist thinkers. He taught architecture at the École des Ponts et Chaussées, influencing a generation of designers. Though few of his structures were realized, his theoretical work remains foundational in architectural studies.

Louis-Ernest Barrias was a leading French sculptor active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, he won the Prix de Rome and spent years in Rome studying classical art. Barrias produced many public monuments and funerary sculptures, blending realism with allegory. His notable works include 'La Nature se dévoilant devant la Science' and the tomb of Léon Gambetta. He became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, influencing a generation of artists. Barrias’s sculptures are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical mastery.

Born in 1908, Louis Jordan reshaped popular music with his energetic jump blues style and humorous lyrics. As leader of the Tympany Five, he produced hits like "Caldonia" and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie," influencing future rock and roll artists. Jordan's charismatic showmanship and saxophone prowess brought African American music to wider audiences in the 1940s and 1950s. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, his legacy endures in multiple musical genres. He passed away in 1975, but his music continues to inspire.

Born in 1935, Alex Harvey forged a unique path in rock with his flamboyant stage presence and eclectic musical style. As frontman of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, he delivered hits like "Framed" and "The Faith Healer," combining blues, glam, and cabaret influences. Harvey's dramatic storytelling and charismatic vocals distinguished him in the 1970s UK rock scene. Revered for his creativity and showmanship, he remains an icon of progressive rock theatrics. He died in 1982, leaving behind a cult following.

Born in 1950, Karen Carpenter captivated audiences with her warm contralto voice and skilled drumming alongside her brother Richard. The Carpenters achieved massive success in the 1970s with hits like "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun." Known for her smooth vocal delivery and emotional depth, Karen became an icon of soft pop. Her untimely death at 32 brought attention to eating disorders, leaving a lasting impact on music and health awareness. She died in 1983, and her music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Born in 1919, Władziu Valentino Liberace became one of the highest-paid entertainers, dazzling audiences with virtuosic piano playing and flamboyant stage attire. His showmanship, featuring candelabras and sequined outfits, bridged classical and popular music, attracting millions to television specials and live concerts. Known simply as Liberace, he built a glittering persona that made the piano accessible and entertaining. His legacy endures as a pioneer of musical spectacle. He passed away in 1987, leaving an unforgettable mark on entertainment history.

Count Sigvard Bernadotte of Wisborg (1907–2002) was born a Swedish prince and member of the Bernadotte dynasty. After marrying without royal consent, he lost his princely title and became Count of Wisborg. He forged a successful career as an industrial designer, creating elegant silverware, jewelry, and home accessories for brands like Georg Jensen and Dansk. His modernist aesthetic and functional approach helped define Scandinavian design on the global stage. Alongside his creative work, he served as a cultural ambassador for Sweden. His innovative designs continue to influence contemporary artists and decorators.

Barbara McNair (1934-2007) was an American singer, actress, and outspoken advocate for civil rights. She gained popularity in the 1950s with her hit albums and appearances on television variety shows. McNair made her Broadway debut in the musical "No Strings" in 1962, earning critical acclaim. She appeared in films such as "All Night Long" alongside David Niven and Barbra Streisand. McNair hosted her own TV variety series, becoming one of the first African-American women to do so. Throughout her career, she championed racial equality and broke barriers for Black entertainers. Her smooth voice and dignified presence made her a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Jules Olitski (1922-2007) was a Ukrainian-American artist celebrated for his vibrant abstract paintings and sculptures. He was a leading figure in the Color Field movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Olitski developed innovative spray painting techniques, creating luminous, color-saturated canvases. His work was exhibited worldwide, including solo shows at the Guggenheim Museum and Whitney Museum. He taught at Bennington College, influencing a new generation of abstract artists. Olitski's art can be found in major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Tate.