February 07

Born in Florence in 1493, Bandinelli studied classical sculpture and became renowned for his grandiose style. He created the monumental marble group of Hercules and Cacus in the Piazza della Signoria. A fierce rival of Michelangelo, he also produced numerous religious and mythological pieces under Medici patronage. His workshop trained many artists and contributed significantly to the development of Italian Mannerism. Bandinelli's works remain prominent landmarks in Florence's artistic heritage.

William Boyce (1711–1779) was a prominent composer and organist in Georgian England. He served as Master of the King's Music and held posts at St Paul's Cathedral and the Chapel Royal. Boyce compiled the influential Cathedral Music collection, preserving English church compositions. His original works include symphonies, odes, and anthems that blended Baroque and early Classical styles. Boyce's music remains a cornerstone of English choral and orchestral repertoire.

Born in Danzig in 1726, Chodowiecki moved to Berlin where he studied and later became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts. He earned renown for his vivid etchings that depicted both everyday life and aristocratic society. Serving as a court painter, he produced illustrations for prominent literary works, including those by Goethe. His prolific output—over 800 etchings—helped shape German printmaking during the Enlightenment. Chodowiecki's nuanced portrayals of social customs and domestic interiors influenced generations of European artists. His works remain celebrated in major museums across Germany and Poland.

Born in 1886 in Rybinsk, Grigoriev studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. He became associated with the World of Art movement, producing vivid watercolors and etchings that captured the spirit of Russian peasants and landscapes. His portraits conveyed psychological depth and social commentary, while his illustrative work appeared in books and magazines. After emigrating to Europe following the Russian Revolution, he continued to exhibit in Paris and London, influencing avant-garde circles. Grigoriev's art bridged realism and modernism, offering poignant insights into the human condition. His legacy endures in museum collections worldwide.

Ivan Bilibin was born in Russia in 1876 and trained at the Imperial Academy of Arts. He became famous for his distinctive art nouveau style and masterful woodblock prints. Bilibin illustrated Russian fairy tales, infusing them with folkloric motifs and intricate details. He also designed sets and costumes for theatrical productions, including those of the Ballets Russes. After the Russian Revolution, he emigrated and continued his work in Prague and Leningrad. His art has influenced generations of illustrators and remains celebrated for its cultural depth. Ivan Bilibin passed away on February 7, 1942, leaving a legacy in Russian art and design.

Lina Cavalieri was born in Viterbo, Italy, in 1874 and studied voice at the Conservatory in Rome. She debuted on stage in 1898 and quickly gained fame at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Renowned as the 'most beautiful woman in the world,' she captivated audiences with her rich soprano voice. Cavalieri also appeared in early silent films, blending her musical talent with the emerging art of cinema. Her fashion and beauty standards left a lasting impact on artistic and popular culture. Beyond performance, she authored memoirs reflecting on a life lived under the spotlight. She died on February 7, 1944, but remains a symbol of grace and vocal artistry.

Guitar Slim, born Eddie Jones in Greenwood, Mississippi, in 1926, revolutionized electric blues. He gained fame with his 1954 hit 'The Things That I Used to Do,' which showcased his distorted guitar sound. Slim's dynamic performances and flamboyant costumes set him apart in the New Orleans music scene. He influenced generations of guitarists, including rock legends who adopted his electric style. Recording for Specialty Records, he pushed the boundaries of blues rhythm and lead techniques. Despite his groundbreaking work, health issues plagued him later in life. He died of tuberculosis on February 7, 1959, but remains a towering figure in blues history.

Witold Lutosławski (1913–1994) was a Polish composer, conductor, and pianist renowned for his innovative contributions to contemporary classical music. Combining folk influences with avant-garde techniques, he developed a unique orchestral language exemplified in works like Jeu de timbres and Symphony No. 3. Lutosławski’s compositions often featured controlled aleatoric processes, earning him international acclaim. He conducted major orchestras across Europe and served as principal conductor for the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra. His numerous awards included the Grawemeyer Award and several prestigious Polish honors. Lutosławski’s music continues to be performed worldwide, influencing generations of composers. He died in Warsaw in 1994, leaving a rich legacy in the modern repertoire.

Bobby Troup (1918–1999) was an American actor, jazz pianist, and composer whose career spanned radio, film, and television. He composed the iconic song '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66', which became a jazz and pop standard covered by artists worldwide. As an actor, he appeared in films like Operation Petticoat and had a memorable role on the television series Emergency!. Troup was known for his smooth piano style and songwriting craftsmanship. He collaborated as a session musician and arranger, influencing numerous big band recordings. His artistic versatility made him a prominent figure in mid-20th-century American entertainment. Troup continued to perform and compose until his passing in 1999.

Born in 1924 in East Durham, New York, Blossom Dearie began her career in New York City nightclubs in the 1940s. Her distinct voice and delicate piano playing caught the attention of jazz audiences in both the United States and Europe. She moved to Paris in the 1950s, recording several albums and collaborating with French musicians. Returning to New York, Dearie recorded for labels like Verve, releasing acclaimed albums such as Give Him the Ooh-La-La. She also contributed vocals to the theme song of the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Dearie taught jazz vocals and remained active in performance and recording well into her later years. She passed away in 2009, leaving behind a timeless catalog that continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts.

Born in Vučji Do in 1933, Krsto Papić studied film at the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art. He directed his first feature film, Lisice, in 1969, which established his reputation for tackling social and political themes. Throughout his career, Papić produced landmark films such as My Uncle's Legacy and When You Hear the Bells, blending satire with humanist insight. He received numerous awards at international festivals, including Cannes and Berlin, for his work. A founding member of the Croatian Film Club, he mentored emerging filmmakers and contributed to the development of national cinema. Papić's films remain influential for their critical examination of society and authority. He died in 2013, leaving a lasting imprint on European arthouse cinema.