June 07

Luigi Schiavonetti trained in Venice before relocating to London, where his engraving and etching skills earned wide acclaim. He collaborated with eminent artists and publishers to produce illustrations for books, magazines, and art catalogues, capturing the essence of neoclassical art. Schiavonetti's plates for John Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery and other major projects demonstrated exceptional precision and artistry. His work helped popularize engraved reproductions of paintings and sculptures among British audiences. Today, his engravings are prized for their technical mastery and historical significance in printmaking.

David Cox was born in Birmingham in 1783. He initially worked as a sign painter before developing a passion for landscape painting. Cox became a leading figure in the English watercolour movement, known for his vibrant depictions of the British countryside. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1812 and influenced generations of artists with his loose brushwork. His work captured atmospheric effects and dramatic skies, particularly scenes of the Welsh mountains and coastal ports. He taught at art schools and compiled influential sketchbooks, solidifying his status as a master of watercolour.

Pavlos Carrer was born on the island of Zakynthos, Greece, in 1829. He studied music in Italy under Saverio Mercadante and embraced the Romantic operatic tradition. Carrer composed the first modern Greek opera, 'O ypopsifios', which premiered in Athens in 1867. His works blended Italian melodic styles with Greek folk themes, fostering a national musical identity. He also wrote patriotic choral pieces and sacred music that resonated with the Greek War of Independence sentiment. Carrer influenced subsequent generations of Greek composers and is regarded as a pioneer of Greek classical music.

Jean Arp was born in 1886 in Strasbourg, then part of Germany. He co-founded the Dada movement in Zurich in 1916, challenging artistic conventions. Arp’s abstract sculptures and collage works combined organic forms with chance techniques. He later became associated with Surrealism, producing poetry and paintings. His art influenced modernism throughout Europe and the United States. Arp continued creating until his death on June 7, 1966, leaving a profound legacy.

Philip Guston (1913–1980) was a Canadian-American painter whose evolving style impacted mid-20th-century art. He initially gained recognition as an abstract expressionist in the 1950s. Later, Guston shifted to figurative work characterized by bold, cartoon-like images. His paintings addressed themes of identity, politics, and personal memory. Guston taught at institutions such as the California School of Fine Arts, influencing young artists. His outspoken personality and journal entries revealed his deep engagement with social issues. Though controversial, his late works are celebrated for their raw emotional power. Guston’s legacy continues through major museum exhibitions and retrospectives.

Klaudia Taev (1906–1985) was an Estonian opera singer whose powerful dramatic soprano voice brought her acclaim across Europe. She performed lead roles in houses such as the Estonian National Opera. After retiring from the stage, Taev devoted herself to education, founding vocal masterclasses. Her mentorship shaped the careers of many notable Estonian singers. Taev emphasized technique, expression, and stage presence in her teaching. She published articles on vocal pedagogy and performance practice. Her legacy lives on through an international singing competition named in her honor. Taev’s contributions helped cultivate Estonia’s operatic tradition.