August 28

Kanō Motonobu (1476–1559) became head of the Kano school of painting, which dominated Japanese art for centuries. He introduced a harmonious fusion of bold Chinese ink brushwork and delicate Japanese yamato-e themes. Appointed official painter to the Ashikaga shogunate in Kyoto, he created sliding screen and wall paintings for elite patrons. His workshop trained numerous artists, spreading his stylistic innovations across Japan. Motonobu’s work laid the foundations for the splendor of Momoyama and early Edo period art. He passed away in 1559, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Japan’s greatest painters.

Born in Rome, Accorimboni made his mark on the late 18th-century Italian opera scene. His works, including Le nozze volante and La fata, blended dramatic arias with graceful orchestration. He collaborated with leading librettists of his day and saw performances in Venice, Rome, and beyond. Though overshadowed by contemporaries, his operas were praised for their melodic charm and emotional depth. Accorimboni’s contributions reflect the transition from Baroque grandeur to Classical clarity in Italian music.

Born in 1833 in Birmingham, Burne-Jones studied at Exeter College and worked under Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He co-founded the decorative arts firm Morris & Co. with William Morris. His works feature mythological and medieval themes, often inspired by poetry and legend. He designed stained-glass windows for churches and private patrons across Britain. Burne-Jones held exhibitions that earned him acclaim and influenced younger artists. He was knighted in 1894 for his services to art. He left a lasting legacy on British art and the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic.

Born in 1867 in Foggia, Giordano studied at the Naples Conservatory under Paolo Serrao. His breakthrough opera, Andrea Chénier (1896), showcased dramatic realism and emotional intensity. He collaborated with leading librettists and premiered works in major Italian opera houses like La Scala. Giordano composed other operas, including Fedora and Siberia, reflecting late 19th-century currents. He also served as director of the Parma Conservatory and influenced younger composers. His works bridged traditional Italian opera and emerging modernist trends until his death in 1948.

Benno Schotz was born in 1891 in Estonia and studied fine arts and engineering before relocating to Scotland. He became a leading figure in the Scottish art scene, known for his portrait busts and large-scale public monuments. Schotz’s work combined technical precision with expressive form, reflecting his dual expertise as an engineer and sculptor. He taught at the Glasgow School of Art, mentoring a generation of artists and shaping modern sculpture in the region. His legacy is seen in landmarks across Scotland and in the students he inspired until his death in 1984.

Karl Böhm was born in 1894 in Graz, Austria, and rose to prominence as a conductor specializing in operatic repertoire. He held key positions at the Berlin State Opera and later at the Vienna State Opera, earning acclaim for his precise technique and musical insight. Böhm made prolific recordings, particularly of Mozart’s operas, which remain benchmarks for their clarity and vitality. He also championed contemporary composers, expanding the reach of modern works. Until his death in 1981, Böhm’s artistry influenced generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.

James Wong Howe was born in 1899 in Taishan, China, and emigrated to the United States as a child. He overcame racial discrimination to become one of Hollywood’s most respected cinematographers, earning 14 Academy Award nominations. Howe pioneered deep-focus cinematography and distinctive lighting styles, notably in films like "The Thin Man" and "Hud", winning Oscars for both. His inventive use of low-key lighting and camera movement influenced generations of filmmakers. Howe remained active in the industry until his death in 1976, leaving a lasting legacy behind the camera.

Morris Graves was a central figure in the Northwest School of painting, emerging in Seattle during the 1930s and 40s. His work is characterized by mystical, nature-inspired imagery, often featuring birds, flowers, and abstract forms. Graves drew on Asian philosophy and eastern aesthetics to create artworks that evoke a spiritual connection with the natural world. He exhibited widely in the United States and internationally, gaining acclaim for his distinctive style. His contributions helped establish the Pacific Northwest as a vibrant center for modern art.

Robert Irving began his career as assistant conductor to the Ballets Russes in the 1930s. In 1948 he was appointed music director of the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. Over four decades, he shaped the company’s musical style and collaborated on groundbreaking productions. Irving also served as music director for the San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet. He recorded extensively, bringing classical and ballet scores to a wider audience through albums and broadcasts. His elegant interpretations helped define 20th-century ballet music performances.

Richard Tucker rose from humble beginnings in the Bronx to become a leading tenor at the Metropolitan Opera. He made his Met debut in 1945 and went on to sing over 300 performances across 35 roles. Tucker was celebrated for his robust voice and dramatic intensity in works by Verdi and Puccini. He recorded extensively with major labels and recorded the title role in 'Otello' to critical acclaim. In addition to opera, he appeared in several Hollywood films showcasing his singing talents. After his death, the Richard Tucker Music Foundation was established to support promising American singers.

Tasha Tudor’s enchanting illustrations captured the charm of 19th-century rural New England. She wrote and illustrated over 100 books, including classics like 'Mother Goose' and 'Belling the Tiger.' Tudor lived much of her life in a self-built Vermont farmhouse, farming by horse-drawn cart. Her meticulous attention to detail and warm color palettes created a timeless style beloved by generations. She received numerous awards, including two Caldecott Honors for her illustration work. Tudor’s legacy endures through the Tasha Tudor House & Garden, preserved as a museum in Vermont.

Hélène Baillargeon was a pioneer of the Canadian folk music revival in the mid-20th century. Born in Trois-Rivières, she performed traditional French-Canadian songs on radio and at folk festivals. As an actress, she appeared on Broadway and in several Canadian television productions. Her rich contralto voice and animated storytelling brought regional folklore to international audiences. Baillargeon recorded multiple albums and inspired a generation of francophone artists. She also taught folk singing and dance workshops, preserving cultural heritage until her death.