October 19

Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten was born in Dordrecht in 1627 and trained under Rembrandt in Amsterdam, absorbing his master’s dramatic use of light and shadow. He became renowned for his trompe-l’œil perspective boxes, which created immersive miniature scenes viewed through small openings. Hoogstraten also authored Introduction to the Academy of Painting, a treatise that explored aesthetics, painterly techniques, and the role of the artist. His work bridged the worlds of visual art and literary theory, influencing generations of artists and critics. Later in life, he held positions as a court painter and diplomat, traveling to Vienna and Venice. Hoogstraten’s hybrid legacy as both practitioner and theorist marks him as a unique figure in 17th-century art.

Sir Godfrey Kneller was born Gottfried Kniller in Lübeck in 1646 and trained in Italy, absorbing the Baroque style. He settled in England in 1676 and soon became the court painter, serving Charles II, James II, William III, and Queen Anne. Kneller’s portraits of royalty, nobility, and prominent figures defined the visual culture of the English Restoration. He founded an Academy of Painting and amassed a large workshop to meet the high demand for his work. His artistic sensibility balanced grandeur with psychological insight, making his portraits both stately and engaging. Kneller’s influence persisted through his students and the enduring popularity of his images in engravings and collections.

Born in 1876, Ludvig Karsten studied art in Copenhagen and was influenced by Parisian avant-garde movements. His vibrant palette and loose brushwork reflect the impact of Fauvism and Post-Impressionism. Karsten's works often depict Norwegian nature with an emotional intensity and sense of freedom. Despite a promising career, he struggled with personal challenges and financial hardship. He died in 1926, but his art continues to be celebrated for its daring color and form.

Born in 1864 near Paris, Camille Claudel displayed artistic talent early and studied under Alfred Boucher. She later collaborated with Auguste Rodin, contributing to masterpieces like 'The Age of Bronze'. Claudel created celebrated works such as 'The Waltz' that convey dynamic movement and emotional depth. Her personal and professional conflicts, particularly with Rodin, marked her career. Struggling with mental illness, she was institutionalized for 30 years before her death in 1943.

Born in 1882, N.C. Wyeth was a pioneering American painter and illustrator. He studied under legendary illustrator Howard Pyle and helped establish the Brandywine School. Wyeth's vivid artwork brought classic tales like Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe to life. He created hundreds of illustrations for books, magazines, and advertisements. His dynamic style influenced generations of artists, including his son Andrew Wyeth. Today, his original paintings are displayed in museums and galleries worldwide. He passed away in 1945 after a tragic train accident, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy.

Edward S. Curtis was born in 1868 and became a pioneering ethnologist and photographer. He dedicated over 30 years to documenting Native American tribes in his monumental multi-volume work The North American Indian. Curtis traveled across North America, capturing portraits and daily life scenes with artistic precision. His series combines photographs with ethnographic texts, preserving vanishing indigenous cultures. Curtis faced financial and logistical challenges but remained committed to his vision. His images are celebrated for their haunting beauty and historical significance. He passed away in 1952, leaving behind a vast archive that continues to inform and inspire.

Born in 1894, Isham Jones was a prominent American saxophonist, songwriter, and bandleader. He led popular dance bands during the 1920s and 1930s, blending jazz and dance music. Jones composed timeless hits such as It Had to Be You and I'll See You in My Dreams. His orchestra was known for smooth arrangements and talented soloists. He influenced the swing era and mentored musicians like Benny Goodman. Jones's music remains part of the Great American Songbook. He died in 1956, remembered as a key figure in early American popular music.

Edward Willis Redfield (1869–1965) was a prominent American Impressionist painter and educator. He co-founded the New Hope art colony in Pennsylvania and became renowned for his richly textured, plein-air landscape paintings. Redfield’s work captured the changing seasons and atmospheric conditions with bold brushwork and vibrant color. He taught at several art institutions and mentored a generation of artists. His legacy endures through his influential contributions to American Impressionism and art education.

Jacqueline du Pré (1945–1987) was an English cellist whose emotive artistry captivated audiences worldwide. She rose to international fame with her interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, which remains a benchmark recording of the work. Du Pré studied under prominent teachers at the Royal College of Music and won the prestigious Queen’s Prize in 1965. Her career was tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis, leading to her retirement at just 28 years old. She later dedicated herself to teaching and promoting musical appreciation. Du Pré’s enduring recordings and passionate legacy continue to inspire cellists and music lovers around the globe.

Son House was a seminal figure in the American Delta blues tradition, renowned for his passionate performances. Born Eddie James House Jr. in 1902, he developed a deeply emotive singing style paired with masterful slide guitar. His raw, gospel-infused playing influenced generations of blues and rock musicians during the 1960s folk revival. House recorded classic tracks like “Death Letter” and collaborated with artists such as Robert Johnson. After decades of obscurity, he was rediscovered and celebrated by blues enthusiasts worldwide. His legacy endures as a profound influence on modern blues and rock guitarists.

Don Cherry was an American jazz trumpeter whose adventurous style helped define the free jazz era. Born in Oklahoma in 1936, he first gained recognition playing with Ornette Coleman in the late 1950s. Cherry's playing was marked by lyrical improvisation and a willingness to blend world music influences. He collaborated with artists across genres, from jazz legends to avant-garde musicians. Throughout his career, he recorded seminal albums like “Complete Communion” that showcased his compositional skills. Cherry was also a dedicated teacher and pioneered the incorporation of non-Western instruments in jazz. His eclectic approach left a lasting imprint on modern jazz and world music fusion.

Harilaos Perpessas was a Greek pianist and composer whose works bridged Romantic and modern musical traditions. Born in 1907, he studied composition in Europe and absorbed influences from French Impressionism. Perpessas composed piano pieces, chamber works, and orchestral scores characterized by rich harmonies. He performed widely as a pianist, earning acclaim for his technical precision and expressive depth. During his career, he contributed to the development of contemporary classical music in Greece. Perpessas also taught at conservatories, nurturing a new generation of musicians. His legacy persists through his recordings and the continued performance of his compositions.