February 06

Active in the mid-18th century, Pullicino captured the bustling ports of Malta with precision. His works often featured ships, coastal architecture, and local life, reflecting Baroque influences. He contributed to the island's artistic heritage alongside other Maltese masters. Pullicino's paintings are valued for their historical insight into Mediterranean maritime culture. He died in 1759, leaving behind works displayed in Maltese museums and private collections.

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt was born in 1736 in Wiesensteig. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna before spending time in Rome absorbing classical art. In 1769, he was appointed court sculptor to Emperor Joseph II. Between 1772 and 1781, he created his famous series of character heads featuring extreme facial expressions. His work combined classical technique with psychological insight, earning him posthumous recognition as a pioneer of expressive portrait sculpture. He died in 1783, leaving a legacy that influenced later Romantic and Expressionist artists.

Achille Devéria was a prominent figure of the Romantic era in Paris, exhibiting regularly at the Salon from 1822. He gained acclaim for his expressive portraits of writers, politicians, and Parisian society. Devéria produced numerous lithographs that illustrated works by contemporary authors, capturing the cultural spirit of his time. He was appointed official lithographer to the French government and executed commissions for royal and state projects. His delicate line work and attention to character made his prints highly sought after. His legacy endures in the vivid visual record of early 19th-century France.

Joseph Auguste Émile Vaudremer trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1854. He served as inspector and architect for the City of Paris, overseeing major public works. His notable designs include the La Santé Prison and the parish church of Saint-Pierre-de-Montrouge, exemplifying mid-19th-century French civic architecture. Vaudremer's work combined functional planning with classical detail, influencing later generations of architects. He also held the position of architect of religious buildings and contributed to urban redevelopment projects until his death in 1914.

Born in Zagreb, Ema Pukšec achieved fame under the stage name Ilma de Murska. She trained in Milan and became a leading soprano at major opera houses including La Scala and Covent Garden. Her repertoire featured bel canto and dramatic roles such as Lucia di Lammermoor and Norma. Pukšec toured extensively in Europe, America, and Australia, captivating audiences with her voice and charisma. Her energetic performances and costume artistry set new standards for operatic stagecraft. She died in 1889, remembered as one of the 19th century's most flamboyant sopranos.

Vasily Safonov was born in 1852 in Moscow and graduated with honors from the Moscow Conservatory. He served as director of the Conservatory from 1889 to 1905, shaping the education of Russia's finest musicians. As a conductor, Safonov led the premiere of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony and guest-conducted the New York Philharmonic. He composed piano works and songs, blending Romantic expressiveness with technical mastery. Safonov died in 1918, remembered as a transformative figure in Russian musical life.

Born in 1879 near Le Havre, Othon Friesz studied under the influential painter Gustave Moreau in Paris. He exhibited alongside Matisse and Derain at the 1905 Salon d'Automne, where his vivid palette helped define Fauvism. Friesz’s early works displayed intense brushwork and unconventional hues, pushing the boundaries of representational art. Later, he adopted a more restrained style influenced by Cézanne, blending bold color with structured form. Throughout his career, Friesz remained dedicated to capturing emotion through landscape and portraiture. He taught and exhibited widely, influencing a generation of artists before his death in 1949.

María Teresa Vera (1895-1965) was a Cuban singer, guitarist, and composer who became one of the leading figures in the trova genre. She captivated audiences with her soulful voice and delicate guitar playing, often performing duets with male partners. Vera composed numerous songs that reflected Cuban life and emotions, influencing generations of musicians across Latin America. Her minimalist style and dedication to traditional forms preserved the authentic sound of early 20th-century Cuban music. She remained an icon of Cuban cultural heritage until her death, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.

Ramon Novarro began his career in the 1920s and quickly became one of MGM's top leading men, starring in the epic Ben-Hur (1925). He transitioned successfully to sound films and showcased his vocal talents in early Hollywood musicals. Novarro's charismatic screen presence made him a global star and one of the first prominent Latin American actors in American cinema. Later in his career, he took on roles behind the camera, directing and producing independent projects. His legacy endures as a pioneering figure for Latin American representation in the film industry.

George Brunies, often billed as Georg Brunis, was a key figure in the Chicago jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s. He emerged as a member of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and developed a powerful, expressive trombone style that influenced many later musicians. Brunies performed in clubs and on recordings throughout his career, combining technical skill with a lively sense of swing. He was admired for his improvisational flair and rich tone, earning a reputation as one of the era's leading jazz trombonists. His work helped define the sound of early American jazz and inspired generations of brass players.

Claudio Arrau began his musical journey as a child prodigy in Santiago, giving his first concert at age eight. He studied in Berlin under the tutelage of Martin Krause and went on to win international praise for performances of Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann. Arrau's deep, nuanced playing and commanding technique made him one of the century's most respected pianists. He maintained a busy concert schedule well into his late years, recording extensively and teaching at the Meisterschule für Musik in Hanover and later at the Manhattan School of Music. His thoughtful interpretations and artistic integrity left a lasting mark on classical music.

Thurl Ravenscroft was born in 1914 in Norfolk, Nebraska, and began his career in singing and radio broadcasting. He became the voice of Tony the Tiger in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes commercials, coining the slogan 'They're grrreat!'. Ravenscroft also provided the iconic vocals for 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' in the classic 1966 holiday special. He lent his bass voice to numerous Disney films and theme park attractions, including Disneyland's 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. His deep, resonant tone made him a sought-after performer in radio, film, and television. He recorded vocal performances for over half a dozen Disney albums and continued working into the early 2000s. He died in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of entertainment's most distinctive voices.