October 13

Born in Florence in 1474, Mariotto Albertinelli trained under prominent masters of the early Renaissance. He formed a close partnership with Fra Bartolomeo, sharing a workshop and artistic influences. Albertinelli’s works, such as the ‘Visitation’ and ‘Madonna and Child’ paintings, are celebrated for their rich color and harmonious composition. As an educator, he influenced a generation of Florentine artists through his teaching and workshop practices. His art reflects the humanist ideals and architectural advancements of the period. He died in 1515, leaving behind a legacy in the development of High Renaissance painting.

Born in 1703 in Valletta, Andrea Belli established himself as one of Malta’s leading architects during the Baroque period. He designed notable landmarks such as the Auberge d’Italie and Palazzo Don Raimondo in Malta’s historic capital. Belli combined his architectural practice with successful business enterprises in commerce and property development. His work reflects the opulence and grandeur of Baroque aesthetics, blending Italian and local influences. Through his merchant activities, he contributed to the economic growth of Malta during the Knights Hospitaller era. He died in 1772, and his buildings remain key attractions in Malta’s architectural heritage.

Allan Ramsay (1713–1784) was a prominent Scottish portrait painter who became the first Scots-born artist to achieve international fame. Educated in London and Rome, Ramsay developed a refined and elegant style characterized by its harmonious colors and graceful representation of his sitters. He served as Principal Painter to King George III and completed numerous portraits of the royal family and leading figures of his era. Ramsay's work combined the French Rococo influence with a distinctly British sensibility, making him a key figure in 18th-century art. His portraits are celebrated for their naturalism and subtle psychological insight. Ramsay also ran a successful studio in London and taught a generation of British portrait painters. Today, his works are held in major galleries including the National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Gerald Marks was an American songwriter whose 1931 tune 'All of Me' became one of the most recorded songs in jazz and popular music. He composed for Broadway and Hollywood, partnering with lyricist Seymour Simons. Marks's melodies are celebrated for their memorable hooks and harmonic sophistication. His work influenced generations of musicians and remains a staple of the Great American Songbook. Marks's career spanned over six decades, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.

Yves Allégret was a key figure in French cinema's post-war era, creating films characterized by gritty realism. After assisting his brother Marc Allégret, he directed classics like 'Dédée d'Anvers' (1948) and 'Une si jolie petite plage' (1949). His work often featured themes of alienation and social struggle, collaborating with talents like Simone Signoret. Allégret's screenplays and visual style influenced the emerging French New Wave. He left a lasting mark on film noir and art-house cinema in Europe.

Born in 1909, Herbert Lawrence 'Herblock' Block became one of America's most influential editorial cartoonists. Over his career, he produced thousands of cartoons addressing political and social issues, earning him multiple Pulitzer Prizes. His work appeared in The Washington Post for decades, shaping public discourse through art and satire. Block's illustrations combined sharp wit with bold graphic style, making him a household name. He also authored books and collections of his cartoons, cementing his legacy as a leading figure in political illustration.

Born in 1909, Art Tatum revolutionized jazz piano with his extraordinary speed, dexterity, and harmonic inventiveness. Despite losing his sight during childhood, he mastered the piano and developed a virtuosic style that influenced generations of musicians. Tatum's recordings from the 1930s and 1940s display his unparalleled chordal complexity and rhythmic agility. He frequently performed in nightclubs and studios, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking sessions that set new standards for jazz improvisation. Tatum's artistry earned him admiration from fellow musicians and critics, securing his place as one of the greatest jazz pianists in history.

Born in 1915, Terry Frost served in the Royal Air Force during World War II before pursuing formal art studies. As an abstract painter, he became associated with the St Ives School, producing works characterized by bold colors and geometric forms. Frost also lectured extensively at art colleges, influencing generations of artists through his teaching. His experimentation with shape and hue contributed to post-war British abstraction, earning him recognition in exhibitions and collections. Frost's career combined creative practice with academic leadership, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields.

Born Ivo Livi in Italy, Yves Montand emigrated to France as a child, where he became a symbol of post-war French culture. He achieved fame as a music hall singer before transitioning to film, delivering acclaimed performances in classics like 'The Wages of Fear' (1953) and 'Let's Make Love' (1960). Montand's velvety voice and magnetic stage presence garnered international attention, leading to roles in Hollywood alongside stars such as Marilyn Monroe. Over his five-decade career, he recorded numerous albums and appeared in over fifty films, earning prestigious awards including a BAFTA. Known for his charm and political activism, Montand maintained close ties with artists and intellectuals across Europe. He frequently collaborated with directors like Jean-Pierre Melville and Costa-Gavras, showcasing his dramatic range. His legacy endures as a versatile performer who bridged music and cinema. Montand's life story, from immigrant entertainer to cultural icon, continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Gilberto Mendes was a pioneering Brazilian composer who played a key role in the country's avant-garde music movement. Born in Santos, he studied piano and composition before co-founding the Música Nova group in the early 1960s, which challenged traditional musical forms. Mendes experimented with serialism, graphic notation, and theatrical elements, pushing the boundaries of concert music. His works often incorporated humor, social commentary, and Brazilian cultural themes. Over his six-decade career, he composed orchestral, chamber, and vocal pieces performed internationally. Mendes also wrote influential essays on music theory and education, shaping future generations of composers. He received numerous awards for his work, solidifying his legacy as a central figure in modern Latin American music.

Terry Gibbs is an American jazz vibraphonist and bandleader whose career has spanned over seven decades. He gained early recognition for his virtuosic technique and vibrant stage presence in the 1940s bebop scene. Gibbs formed his popular Dream Band in the 1950s, featuring top jazz soloists and showcasing cutting-edge arrangements. Known for blending swing, bop, and Latin influences, he recorded over 40 albums as a leader. His collaborations include performances with legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Buddy Rich. Aside from performing, Gibbs hosted radio shows, wrote music instruction books, and contributed to jazz education. His enduring passion and improvisational flair have made him a beloved figure in the jazz community.

Gustav Winckler was a prominent Danish vocalist and composer who rose to fame in the 1950s. He represented Denmark in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1957, finishing in a top position. His songs blended melodic pop with folk influences, making him a beloved figure in Danish popular music. Winckler continued to record and perform throughout the 1960s, influencing the next generation of Scandinavian artists. His career was tragically cut short by his death in 1979, but his recordings remain classics of Danish songcraft.