December 21

Masaccio was an early 15th-century Italian painter whose innovations transformed Renaissance art. He introduced linear perspective to fresco painting, creating realistic spatial depth. His works, such as the frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, influenced generations of artists. By emphasizing chiaroscuro and anatomical accuracy, he brought human figures to life. Despite his short career, he had a lasting impact on Western art. Masaccio's techniques laid the foundation for the High Renaissance masters.

Born in Schweidnitz in 1672, Benjamin Schmolck served as a Lutheran pastor in various German towns. His emotive hymns emphasized personal piety and devotional depth. He published several influential hymn collections that became staples in Protestant worship. Schmolck's compositions blended theological insight with accessible melodies. His works left a lasting mark on German church music and are still performed today.

Hermann Raupach was born in Stralsund in 1728 and studied under the renowned harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg. He served at various courts in Germany and spent significant time in Russia as a court musician. Raupach composed keyboard sonatas, concertos, and sacred music that blended German counterpoint with Italianate style. His works were admired for their technical demands, expressive melodies, and inventive harmonies. Raupach's music influenced early keyboard repertoire in the Russian Empire and Germany. His compositions continue to be studied and performed by enthusiasts of Baroque music.

Achille Vianelli was born in Modena in 1803 and later moved to Naples to develop his artistic career. He became a professor at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Naples, mentoring emerging painters. Vianelli specialized in landscapes and urban scenes, capturing the light and atmosphere of the Neapolitan coast. He contributed illustrations to popular travel books, helping to showcase Southern Italy's scenery to European audiences. His works are noted for their precise detail, balanced composition, and vibrant coloration. Vianelli's paintings remain in museum collections and exemplify 19th-century Italian landscape traditions.

Thomas Couture was born in Senlis, France, in 1815 and studied under Paul Delaroche at the École des Beaux-Arts. His 1847 painting 'Romans During the Decadence' earned him widespread recognition for its dramatic narrative and size. In 1860, he opened a private atelier in Paris where he mentored emerging artists including Édouard Manet and Jules Breton. Couture's style blended Romantic drama with emerging Realist sensibilities, focusing on storytelling and draftsmanship. He published instructional texts on painting technique, shaping art education in the mid-19th century. Couture exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon until his death in 1879, leaving a lasting legacy as both artist and educator.

Ernest de Munck was born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1840 and studied cello at the Royal Conservatory. He gained acclaim as a virtuoso performer, touring major European cultural centers in the late 19th century. De Munck composed a number of works for cello, including concertos, sonatas, and chamber pieces. His style reflected the Romantic era's lyricism and expressive depth, influencing Belgian music circles. He served as a professor at the Brussels Conservatory, shaping the next generation of cellists. De Munck died in 1915, remembered for his contributions as both performer and composer.

Zdeněk Fibich was born in Vienna to Czech parents in 1850 and studied at the Leipzig Conservatory. He composed four operas, including 'Šárka' and 'The Bride of Messolonghi', blending Czech folklore with Romantic style. Fibich's orchestral works, such as 'At Dawn' and 'Poem for Orchestra', showcase his mastery of color and mood. He also published collections of piano miniatures and art songs, often setting his own poetry to music. Fibich contributed to Czech musical nationalism alongside contemporaries like Dvořák and Smetana. He taught at the Prague Conservatory and influenced a generation of Bohemian composers before his death in 1900.

Lorenzo Perosi was born in 1872 and became one of the most prominent composers of sacred music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ordained as a Catholic priest, he devoted his life to reviving Gregorian chant and traditional liturgical music. Perosi wrote over a hundred sacred works, including masses, motets, and grand oratorios such as 'La Resurrezione' and 'Il Natale'. He served as the director of the Sistine Chapel Choir, where he implemented rigorous musical standards. Perosi collaborated with Cardinal Merry del Val to promote the Cecilian Movement, aiming to purify church music. His compositions combined classical forms with renewed spiritual depth, influencing musicians across Europe. Perosi continued his songwriting and liturgical innovations until his death in 1956.

Arnold Friberg was born in Illinois in 1913 and studied art in Utah. He gained fame for his powerful illustrations of religious themes, especially his depictions of the Book of Mormon scenes. Friberg was commissioned by Cecil B. DeMille to create iconic paintings for the 1956 film 'The Ten Commandments'. His style is characterized by vivid colors, strong contrasts, and meticulous attention to detail. He enjoyed a long career producing illustrations for magazines, books, and film promotions. Friberg's work has been exhibited widely and continues to inspire religious and historical artists. He passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of memorable and evocative art.

Alicia Alonso was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1920. Despite partial blindness, she rose to become one of the 20th century's leading ballerinas. She founded the Cuban National Ballet in 1948 and served as its artistic director for decades. Her interpretations of Giselle and Carmen received worldwide acclaim. Alonso toured globally, popularizing Cuban ballet technique and style. She received numerous honors, including the Lenin Peace Prize and Cuba's National Prize for Culture. She died in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of dance.

Phil Roman was born in 1930 and began his animation career at Walt Disney Studios. He contributed to classic films like Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book before co-founding Bill Melendez Productions. In 1984, he established Film Roman, which produced acclaimed series such as The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and Garfield specials. Roman’s leadership helped shape modern television animation and set high standards for storytelling and humor. He received multiple awards for his contributions to the animation industry. At over ninety years old, he remains an active inspiration to animators. His legacy endures through the beloved characters and series he helped bring to life.

John G. Avildsen was an American film director, producer, and cinematographer whose career spanned several decades. Born in 1935, he won the Academy Award for Best Director for "Rocky" (1976), a low-budget film that became a cultural phenomenon. Avildsen also directed "The Karate Kid" series, blending sports drama with coming-of-age storytelling. His films often focused on underdog characters overcoming adversity through perseverance. Beyond these hits, he helmed projects across genres, from drama to action. Avildsen's storytelling and character-driven approach left a lasting impact on Hollywood before his passing in 2017.