All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Adoniram Judson

American missionary and lexicographer
Born
August 9th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1850 175 years ago — 61 years old

A significant figure in American Christianity, contributed to the missionary movement in Burma. Arrived in Burma in 1813 and dedicated efforts toward evangelism and translation. Developed the first complete Burmese-English dictionary and helped translate the Bible into Burmese, facilitating the spread of Christianity and helping to establish a Burmese church. Engaged in extensive linguistic studies, influencing the understanding of Burmese culture and language.

Continue Reading

Adoniran Barbosa

Brazilian musician and composer
Born
August 6th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1910, a significant figure in Brazilian popular music, particularly samba. Provided a unique comedic style through music, often incorporating everyday experiences of the lower classes. Became widely recognized for the lighthearted and humorous nature of the songs, many of which highlighted the realities of urban life in São Paulo. The career spanned several decades, influencing future generations of musicians. Also engaged in acting, contributing to the Brazilian cinema of the era.

Continue Reading

Ado Vabbe

Estonian Painter and Art Educator
Born
March 19th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Estonia, a prominent painter emerged in the early 20th century. Studied at the Estonian Art School and later in Paris, developing a unique style that blended local themes with European modernism. Played a significant role in the Estonian art scene and contributed to the establishment of the Estonian Academy of Arts. Worked in various mediums, including painting and graphic arts, reflecting both national identity and contemporary trends. The artist's works often depicted landscapes and motifs inspired by Estonian folklore and nature.

Continue Reading

Adreian Payne

Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
February 19th, 1991 34 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 31 years old

Played college basketball at Michigan State University from 2011 to 2014. Selected 15th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Played for the Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and other international teams. Contributed to team success as a center, known for scoring and rebounding.

Continue Reading

Ad Reinhardt

Painter and academic known for abstract art.
Born
December 24th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1967 57 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent figure in the American art scene, focused on abstract painting during the mid-20th century. Developed a unique style characterized by the use of black paint and geometric shapes. Contributed to the discourse on the intersection of art and politics through essays and lectures. Involved in teaching, influencing future generations of artists. Participated in significant exhibitions, particularly within the context of the New York School.

Continue Reading

Adriaan Blaauw

Dutch astronomer and academic
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2010 14 years ago — 96 years old

An influential astronomer and academic focused on stellar dynamics and the structure of the Milky Way. Educated at the University of Amsterdam, contributions included significant research on star formation and the development of the astronomical community in the Netherlands. Long associated with the University of Groningen, Blaauw served as a professor and played a key role in the establishment of various astronomical institutes. His work included leadership positions within the International Astronomical Union, influencing the direction of astronomical research.

Continue Reading

Adriaan Kortlandt

Ethologist and biologist focused on animal behavior
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
October 18th, 2009 15 years ago — 91 years old

An ethologist and biologist specialized in animal behavior, contributed extensively to the understanding of animal communication and cognitive processes. Conducted fieldwork on various species, including studies in the behavior of birds and the social interactions of primates. Focused on the evolutionary aspects of behavior and its relation to human psychology. Published numerous articles and books, providing insights into the mind of animals and their interactions with the environment. Engaged in teaching and mentoring future biologists, leaving a legacy in the field of ethology.

Continue Reading

Adriaan Pelt

Dutch journalist and diplomat
Born
May 8th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1892 in the Netherlands, this journalist and diplomat played a significant role in international relations during the 20th century. He began a career in journalism, providing insights on various political issues. This individual served in several important diplomatic positions, representing Dutch interests abroad. Contributing to both journalism and diplomacy allowed for a unique perspective on international affairs.

Continue Reading

Adriaan Roland Holst

Dutch writer and poet
Born
May 23rd, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1888, this writer is recognized for contributions to Dutch literature, particularly poetry and essays. Engaged with themes of nature, society, and spirituality, his work often reflected personal and societal reflections. In addition to poetry, he produced prose that critiqued and explored contemporary issues. His literary career spanned several decades, contributing to the cultural discourse in the Netherlands and helping to shape modern Dutch literature.

Continue Reading

Adriaan van Maanen

Astronomer, discovered spiral galaxies
Born
March 31st, 1884 141 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1946 79 years ago — 61 years old

Contributions included extensive research in astronomy, particularly the study of spiral galaxies. Developed methods for measuring the distances to nebulae. Published several significant papers that advanced the understanding of the structure of galaxies. Worked at Mount Wilson Observatory and later became a professor at the California Institute of Technology.

Continue Reading

Adriaen van der Werff

Dutch painter renowned for his portraits
Born
January 21st, 1659 366 years ago
Died
1722 303 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1659, a Dutch painter specialized in portraiture and history painting. Studied under prominent artists and became a noted member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Delft. His work displayed a keen attention to detail and rich color palettes. Van der Werff gained recognition for his refined style, which combined traditional techniques with emotional depth. He produced numerous portraits of nobility and affluent citizens, and his work was celebrated across Europe. The artist also served as a court painter in several instances, further solidifying his reputation. His legacy includes a significant body of work that exemplifies the Baroque style in Dutch painting.

Continue Reading

Adriaen van Ostade

Dutch painter of genre scenes
Born
December 10th, 1610 414 years ago
Died
1685 340 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1610, a prominent Dutch painter focused on genre scenes depicting peasant life. Active in the 17th century, worked primarily in Haarlem. His compositions captured moments of everyday activities with a keen attention to detail and naturalism. His technique involved the use of rich colors and a strong sense of light. Contributed significantly to the tradition of Dutch genre painting, influencing future artists in the field.

Continue Reading