February 07

Born in 574 as a member of the imperial family of Japan and second son of Emperor Yomei. He served as regent for Empress Suiko and was instrumental in consolidating the Yamato court. He authored the Seventeen-Article Constitution, establishing principles of governance and ethics. He promoted the adoption of Chinese-style government structures and the use of the Chinese calendar. A fervent patron of Buddhism, he founded numerous temples including Horyu-ji, one of the world's oldest wooden structures. Revered as a cultural hero, his legacy shaped the development of Japanese statehood and religion.

Born in 1102 to King Henry I of England and later married Emperor Henry V to become Holy Roman Empress. After her father's death in 1135, she contested the English crown against her cousin Stephen, triggering a period known as The Anarchy. Her struggle lasted nearly two decades, during which she secured key territories and baronial support. Although never crowned queen, she established her son Henry II's claim to the throne, founding the Plantagenet dynasty. Her political acumen and resilience paved the way for future conceptions of female authority in medieval Europe.

Born in 1449 into the distinguished House of Nassau-Siegen, a prominent noble family of the Holy Roman Empire. She was the daughter of Count John IV of Nassau-Siegen and grew up amidst the political intrigues of the Reich’s principalities. Through her marriage to Count Philip of Waldeck, she strengthened dynastic alliances crucial to regional power dynamics. As a countess, she managed estates and patronized local religious and cultural institutions. Her life exemplifies the roles and responsibilities of German noblewomen during the late Middle Ages. She died in 1477, leaving behind a legacy of dynastic connections that influenced later generations.

Born in London in 1478, Thomas More was educated at Oxford and trained as a lawyer. He rose to prominence as a trusted advisor to Henry VIII and was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1529. In 1516 he published Utopia, a seminal work of political philosophy that envisioned an ideal society. His steadfast refusal to endorse the king's separation from the Catholic Church led to his arrest and trial for treason. Executed in 1535, More was later canonized as a saint, symbolizing integrity and conscience in public service. His writings continue to influence discussions of law, ethics, and governance.

Born in 1487 as the daughter of Shin Su-geun, a prominent Joseon dynasty official. She married Yi Yeok (later King Jungjong) in 1506 and became queen consort of Joseon Korea. Just seven days after her coronation, her family was implicated in a failed coup, leading to her immediate deposition. She spent decades under house arrest, separated from court life, while the political landscape shifted around her. Posthumously honored as queen in 1739, her story reflects the perilous nature of royal favor and power struggles in Joseon.

Born in 1500 in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, into a family with maritime traditions. He entered Portuguese naval service and participated in expeditions to India and the Red Sea in his youth. In 1545 he was appointed the fourth viceroy of Portuguese India, reforming coastal defenses and administrative structures. A skilled cartographer and writer, his letters and maps provided critical information for future maritime explorers. He died in 1548 in Cochin, leaving a legacy of strategic governance and contributions to oceanic navigation.

Born in 1612 to a royalist family, Killigrew’s life was shaped by the turmoil of the English Civil War. He wrote comedies and entertainment pieces, such as The Parson's Wedding and Claracilla, blending wit and satire. After the Restoration in 1660, he founded the King’s Company and managed the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Killigrew introduced elaborate stagecraft and commissioned new theatre designs, influencing Restoration drama. He died in 1683, leaving a significant mark on English theatre’s revival and evolution.

Born in 1622 as the last descendant of the ducal House of della Rovere. She married Grand Duke Ferdinando II de’ Medici in 1637, bringing significant art collections to the Medici court. Her dowry included precious paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts that enriched Florence’s cultural heritage. After Ferdinando’s death, she served as guardian for her sons and influenced Tuscan politics and patronage. A devoted supporter of religious and charitable causes, she commissioned churches and hospitals across Tuscany. She died in 1694, remembered for her artistic legacy and dynastic role.

Born in 1693 to Tsar Ivan V and Praskovia Saltykova, Anna was the niece of Peter the Great. Elected Empress in 1730, she quickly abolished constraints on monarchical power and ruled autocratically. Her reign saw the expansion of the Imperial Russian Navy and diplomatic efforts in Europe. Anna patronized Baroque architecture, commissioning grand palaces such as the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. She founded the University of Moscow and the Russian Academy of Sciences, promoting higher education. Her decade on the throne left a mixed legacy of cultural glitter and political repression.

Born in 1722 in Isfahan into a family with a strong literary tradition. He gained fame for his anthology Atashkadeh, which collected and critiqued works of Persian poets from various eras. A key figure in the bazgasht-e adabi movement, he advocated a return to the classical style of Persian poetry. His own verses blended elegant imagery with scholarly commentary, influencing subsequent generations of poets. Azar Bigdeli's work solidified his reputation as a major 18th-century literary critic and creator in Iran. He died in 1781, leaving a lasting mark on Persian literary history.

Margaret Fownes-Luttrell was an English painter of the Georgian era known for her delicate and expressive portraits. Her work captured the elegance and character of her subjects, often members of the British gentry. As one of the few professional female artists of the 18th century, she navigated a male-dominated art world to build her reputation. Although only a limited number of her paintings survive, they remain valued for their technical skill and historical insight. Her contributions paved the way for later generations of women in the visual arts.

Henry Fuseli was a Swiss-English painter celebrated for his dramatic compositions and exploration of supernatural and mythological subjects. He produced iconic works such as The Nightmare, which exemplified the Romantic fascination with the uncanny. Appointed Keeper of the Royal Academy in London, he influenced a generation of British artists through his teaching and critiques. Fuseli's bold use of color and theatrical scenes left a lasting impact on European art. His intellectual approach and charismatic personality made him a central figure in late 18th and early 19th-century art circles.