May 05

Samuel Cooper was born in 1609 and emerged as one of the finest portrait miniaturists of his time. He served as court painter to Oliver Cromwell and later to Charles II after the Restoration. Cooper's delicate brushwork captured the likenesses of royalty, statesmen, and literary figures. Besides his artistic talents, he was a skilled linguist, fluent in several European languages. His works are prized for their finesse, expressive quality, and historical significance. Many of his miniatures survive in royal and private collections, attesting to his enduring reputation. He died in 1672, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Angelo Italia was born in 1628 in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, and trained in the Baroque style. He designed notable churches such as the Cathedral of Caltanissetta and the college at Palermo. Italia’s work blended structural ingenuity with elaborate ornamentation characteristic of the period. His urban planning projects improved civic spaces and advocated for harmonious city layouts. He collaborated with leading artists and sculptors to enhance the expressive impact of his buildings. Italia’s architectural legacy influenced Sicilian Baroque architecture for generations. He died in Palermo in 1700, remembered as one of Italy’s foremost architects of his era.

Sophia Campbell (1777–1833) emigrated from England to Australia in the early 19th century, where she became known for her portrait and landscape paintings. Her work documented the unique flora and settler life of the colonies. She exhibited her art in local salons and contributed to the cultural fabric of early Australia. Despite the challenges faced by women artists of her time, Campbell built a respected professional career. Her paintings serve as valuable historical records of the burgeoning colonial society. She is remembered as a pioneer for future generations of Australian women in the arts.

Born in Istanbul in 1841, Şeker Ahmed Pasha served as one of the first official war artists of the Ottoman Empire. He studied painting in both Turkey and Europe, blending Western techniques with Eastern themes. His works vividly capture Ottoman landscapes, daily life, and cultural ceremonies. A respected military figure, he held high-ranking posts while nurturing his passion for art. His legacy endures in major museums and collections across Turkey and Europe.

Born in Cherbourg in 1856, Moret became a key member of the Pont-Aven School alongside Paul Gauguin. He explored the rugged coast of Brittany, capturing its changing light and moody skies. His later work shows a vibrant use of color and loose brushwork that influenced modern landscape painting. Exhibited regularly in Paris and internationally, he contributed to the evolution of post-Impressionism. His paintings remain highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.

Nikos Gounaris was born in 1915 on the island of Chios and became one of Greece’s most beloved singers and composers. Trained in law, he turned to music in the 1940s and recorded hundreds of romantic songs that resonated across Greece and the diaspora. Gounaris also appeared in numerous Greek films, combining his singing talent with on-screen charisma. His compositions, such as “Omorfi Poli” and “Sta Palia Mou Ta Hronia,” remain classics of Greek popular music. Gounaris’s smooth tenor voice and heartfelt lyrics helped shape modern Greek laika music and influenced generations of artists.

Born in 1910 in the United States, Morris Graves became a leading figure in the Pacific Northwest School of art. His work often featured symbolic representations of birds, fish, and enigmatic figures set in tranquil landscapes. Graves drew inspiration from Asian philosophy and nature, creating paintings that evoked a sense of serenity and mystery. He exhibited widely and taught art to younger generations, influencing modern American painting. Graves’s contemplative style and innovative use of color remain influential following his death in 2001.

Naushad Ali was born in 1919 in Lucknow, India, and became one of the foremost composers in Hindi cinema. He pioneered the integration of Indian classical music with film scores, creating timeless melodies. Naushad’s collaborations with lyricists and singers produced classics such as 'Baiju Bawra' and 'Mughal-e-Azam.' His meticulous orchestration and use of traditional instruments set new standards in Bollywood music. Over a career spanning five decades, he scored over 600 songs for more than 100 films. Naushad received several national awards for his contributions to Indian music and film. He passed away in 2006, remembered as a master who shaped the sound of Indian cinema.

Born in 1928 in Missouri, Wallace began his musical career in the late 1950s blending country and pop styles. His 1959 single "Primrose Lane" became a major hit, showcasing his smooth vocals and engaging guitar work. Throughout the 1960s, he released a string of popular songs that earned him national recognition. Wallace also made appearances on television programs and variety shows, expanding his audience. He continued to perform and record into the 1970s, influencing future generations of country-pop artists. Wallace died in 2008 at the age of 79, remembered for his melodic voice and timeless hits.

Born in 1910 in Florence, Simionato rose to prominence in the 1940s with her mastery of Rossini and Bellini roles. Her expressive phrasing and warm tone made her a favorite at La Scala and the Royal Opera House. She recorded extensively, leaving definitive interpretations of classics such as "La Cenerentola" and "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." Simionato toured worldwide, captivating audiences with both her vocal artistry and dramatic presence. After retiring in the 1970s, she taught masterclasses, nurturing the next generation of opera singers. She lived to 100, passing away in 2010 and remembered as one of the 20th century’s greatest operatic talents.

Millie Small (1947–2020) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter whose 1964 single 'My Boy Lollipop' became an international hit and helped introduce ska music to a global audience. Discovered at the age of 14, her youthful voice and energetic rhythm captivated listeners in Europe and North America. The record sold over seven million copies and charted in the top 10 of the UK and US. Small continued to record and perform, maintaining a cult following for her contributions to Jamaican music. Her influence endures in the evolution of reggae and ska genres.