March 06

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475–1564) was a towering figure of the High Renaissance. His sculptures, including David and the Pietà, set new standards of anatomical precision and emotional expression. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, he painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, transforming religious art with dynamic figures and complex narratives. As an architect, he designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo’s poetic writings reveal his introspective nature and spiritual depth. His influence on Western art endures through his mastery of form, composition, and humanist ideals.

Santi di Tito (1536–1603) was a Florentine painter who reacted against the artificiality of Mannerism. He embraced naturalism and clear narrative in works like his altarpieces for the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His frescoes and portraits display harmonious proportions and subdued emotion, aligning with Counter-Reformation calls for accessible religious imagery. As a teacher and member of the Accademia degli Elevati, he influenced a generation of Tuscan artists. His stylistic transition paved the way for the Baroque movement. Santi’s legacy endures in his contribution to the reform of religious art.

Karol Kurpiński (1785–1857) was a Polish composer, conductor, and violinist pivotal to the country's musical nationalism. Serving as conductor of the Warsaw Opera, he introduced Polish themes and folk motifs into his operas and orchestral works. His opera 'The Castle of Czorsztyn' and other compositions laid the groundwork for later national operas. Kurpiński also wrote chamber music, symphonies, and church pieces, showcasing his versatility and melodic inventiveness. As a teacher, he mentored young musicians and influenced the next generation of Polish artists. His fusion of national identity with classical forms secured his legacy in Poland's cultural history.

Annie Feray Mutrie (1826–1893) specialized in floral compositions that showcased vivid colors and meticulous brushwork. She studied at the Manchester School of Design, where she formed a lifelong partnership with her sister Flora. Mutrie exhibited widely at the Royal Academy and gained acclaim for works such as Roses in a Vase. Her paintings were sought after by collectors across Europe, reflecting the Victorian fascination with botanical art. Even after her death, her floral still-lifes continue to be admired for their beauty and technical mastery.

George du Maurier (1834–1896) began his career as a talented illustrator for the British magazine Punch. He later achieved fame with his 1894 novel 'Trilby', which introduced the character 'Svengali'. Du Maurier’s witty cartoons captured Victorian society with humor and keen observation. He came from a distinguished literary family and influenced early 20th-century fiction through his storytelling. His dual talents bridged the worlds of visual satire and popular literature, leaving a lasting cultural impact.

Born in Vienna in 1870, Oscar Straus became a key figure in the world of operetta, combining lyrical melodies with clever wit. He studied music from a young age and debuted with his operetta Der tapfere Soldat in 1908, which became an international success. Over his career, he composed more than 40 stage works that defined the golden era of Viennese light music. In the 1930s, Straus moved to Hollywood, where he wrote film scores and adapted his operettas for the screen. His contributions bridged traditional operetta and modern cinema music, leaving a lasting impact on both genres before his death in 1954.

Born in 1872, Ben Harney played a pivotal role in bringing ragtime music to mainstream audiences at the turn of the 20th century. He performed in vaudeville shows and introduced ragtime rhythms through his catchy piano compositions. Harney's sheet music, including his hit 'You've Been a Good Old Wagon but You Done Broke Down', spread his style across the United States. As both a performer and composer, he bridged classical technique and African American musical traditions. His contributions laid the groundwork for later ragtime greats before his death in 1938.

Born Walter Louis Levy on March 6, 1893, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Furry Lewis overcame polio to become a master blues guitarist. He moved to Memphis in 1919 and became a fixture on Beale Street, where his live performances and 1927 Vocalion recordings captured the raw emotion of the Mississippi Delta. Tracks like "Kassie Jones" and "Billy Lyons and Stack-O-Lee" showcased his distinctive style and storytelling ability. After a period of obscurity, he was rediscovered during the 1960s folk-blues revival, regaining popularity at festivals and on record. Lewis's legacy endures through his influential recordings, which continue to inspire modern blues artists.

Gina Cigna (1900–2001) was born in Palermo and trained in Milan before launching an illustrious opera career. She debuted as Elsa in Wagner's "Lohengrin" in 1931 at Teatro alla Scala, where her rich timbre and emotive interpretation won acclaim. Cigna excelled in verismo roles, starring in operas by Puccini and Mascagni, and collaborated with pioneering directors on groundbreaking productions. Her international engagements included the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Paris Opera, establishing her as a leading soprano of her era. After retiring from the stage, she taught masterclasses, passing on her artistry to future generations of opera singers.

Born in 1905 in Greenville, Texas, Bob Wills co-founded the Texas Playboys in the early 1930s, blending country, jazz, and blues into a new sound. His hit song 'San Antonio Rose' became a signature tune and propelled Western swing to national popularity. Wills's charismatic performances on radio and in dance halls influenced generations of country musicians. He earned a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and left a lasting legacy in American music before passing away in 1975.

Born to Scottish parents in Glasgow in 1913, Ella Logan moved to the United States as a child and gained fame on Broadway during the 1930s and 1940s. She starred in Jerome Kern's 'Music in the Air' and originated the role of Sharon in the original production of 'Finian’s Rainbow.' Logan also appeared in films and popular radio programs, showcasing her versatile soprano voice. Her transatlantic career contributed to the golden age of musical theatre before her death in 1969.

Will Eisner, born in 1917 in Brooklyn, revolutionized the comic book industry with his masked detective 'The Spirit' in 1940. Renowned for his cinematic storytelling and expressive artwork, Eisner coined the term 'graphic novel' with his 1978 work 'A Contract with God.' He authored and illustrated numerous landmark books, taught courses on sequential art, and influenced generations of comic artists. The Eisner Awards, named in his honor, celebrate excellence in the field. He died in 2005.