February 13

Born in Florence in 1500, Cellini emerged as a prodigy in sculpture and metalwork. He created notable works such as the bronze statue of Perseus with the Head of Medusa in Florence. Aside from his art, he served the papal court in Rome as a skilled goldsmith, crafting intricate jewelry. Cellini led a tumultuous life, involving duels, escapes from prison, and rivalries with fellow artists. His autobiography, written in the 1550s, remains a valuable firsthand account of Renaissance art and society. He died in 1571, leaving a legacy as one of the most colorful and versatile figures of the Italian Renaissance.

Born in 1627 in Bavaria, Kerll studied in Italy under Giacomo Carissimi. He served as organist at the Munich court and composed a wealth of keyboard and sacred music. His intricate fugues and toccatas influenced later composers such as J.S. Bach. Kerll's works blend Italian and German styles, showcasing his mastery of counterpoint. He also taught renowned musicians and helped shape the Baroque musical tradition. He died in 1693, leaving a significant mark on European keyboard repertoire.

Born in 1660 in Hirtenfeld, Fux served as court composer for the Habsburg emperors in Vienna. His 1725 publication 'Gradus ad Parnassum' became the definitive guide to species counterpoint, studied by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Fux composed masses, operas, and instrumental works, blending Baroque and early Classical styles. His theoretical and practical contributions shaped Western music education for centuries. Through his teaching and writings, Fux influenced generations of composers and theorists. He died in 1741, leaving a lasting imprint on the art of composition.

Richard Wagner was born in 1813 in Leipzig and became one of the most influential figures in Western music. He revolutionized opera with his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art, integrating music, poetry, and staging. Wagner's monumental works, including The Ring cycle, Tristan und Isolde, and Parsifal, expanded harmonic language and orchestral color. His innovative use of leitmotifs shaped dramatic storytelling in music. Despite controversy over his political views and personal life, Wagner's artistic legacy endures in opera houses worldwide. He died in 1883, leaving a profound impact on the development of classical music.

Konstantin Savitsky was born in 1844 in Mirgorod, Ukraine. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg and joined the influential Peredvizhniki movement. Savitsky’s works often depicted peasant life, rural landscapes, and scenes of social justice, blending realism with emotional depth. His masterpieces include To the War and Repairing the Railroad, which highlight human resilience and community spirit. He traveled extensively across Russia to observe and portray regional customs and hardships. Savitsky’s paintings contributed to a new artistic language in 19th-century Russian art and inspired future generations of realist painters.

Albert Gottschalk was born in 1866 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Influenced by French Impressionism, he developed a light, atmospheric style characterized by soft brushstrokes and subtle color palettes. Gottschalk primarily painted rural landscapes, gardens, and everyday village life, capturing fleeting moments of nature’s beauty. He exhibited at prominent salons in Copenhagen and earned acclaim for works such as Summer Afternoon and View from the Window. Although he led a relatively quiet life, his paintings gained wider recognition after his premature death in 1906. Today, Gottschalk is celebrated as one of Denmark’s finest landscape painters of the late 19th century.

Georges Rouault studied under Gustave Moreau and developed a distinctive style blending bold outlines with luminous colors reminiscent of stained glass. His work often explored themes of human suffering, spirituality, and morality, as seen in series like 'Miserere' and 'Passion'. A key figure in the Fauvist and expressionist movements, Rouault exhibited widely in Paris and influenced generations of artists. He also produced acclaimed illustrations for literary works and devoted much of his later life to teaching. His legacy endures in major museums worldwide.

Portia White made history as the first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international acclaim, performing across North America and Europe. Born in Nova Scotia, she overcame racial and economic barriers to study at the Halifax Conservatory of Music. White's powerful contralto range and emotive interpretations earned her critical praise and invitations to prestigious venues. She retired from performance in 1962 to teach young singers in Toronto and later became a Member of the Order of Canada. White’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists.

Marinus Jan Granpré Molière was a founding figure of the Delft School, advocating for a return to classical architectural principles and craftsmanship. As a professor at the Delft University of Technology, he influenced generations of architects with designs emphasizing context, proportion, and harmony. His built works include civic buildings, housing projects, and war memorials across the Netherlands. Granpré Molière’s urban planning initiatives aided the reconstruction of Dutch cities after World War II, balancing modern needs with historical continuity. His writings and lectures left a lasting impact on architectural education.

Born in Provence in 1904, Lily Pons won a music competition that launched her career at the Paris Opera. She became the first singer to broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera, captivating audiences with roles like Lucia and Lakmé. Pons appeared in Hollywood films such as 'Hitting a New High' and made regular radio and television guest appearances. She authored an autobiography, 'Life Is a Song', and later taught voice, influencing a new generation of singers. Her recordings remain benchmarks of the coloratura repertoire and continue to inspire opera enthusiasts.

Born in 1900, Arno Breker studied at the Düsseldorf Academy and rose to prominence in the 1930s. He was appointed official state sculptor by the Nazi regime, creating idealized figures for public monuments. After World War II, Breker faced scrutiny over his wartime role but continued to exhibit and teach in Germany. His neoclassical approach and technical mastery influenced generations of sculptors. Breker's bold style and academic teachings left a lasting mark on 20th-century sculpture.

Waylon Jennings was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who became a leading figure of the outlaw country movement. Born in Littlefield, Texas, he rose to fame as a member of Buddy Holly's backup band before forging his own solo career. Jennings challenged the Nashville music establishment with his distinctive sound and rebellious image. He recorded classics such as 'Good Hearted Woman' and performed the theme for the TV series 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' His raw vocals and guitar style influenced generations of country artists and earned him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.