Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius
Botanist and explorer of Brazil
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Germany
Links & References
A prominent botanist and explorer, contributions focused on the flora of Brazil. Studied botany extensively, leading expeditions to collect plant specimens. Worked on the classification and documentation of various plant species. Developed significant works, including 'Flora Brasiliae.' Additionally, served as a naturalist and produced detailed accounts of Brazilian ecology and culture during the 19th century.
Published 'Flora Brasiliae'
Conducted extensive botanical expeditions in Brazil
Established critical classifications of Brazilian plants
Other People Born on April 17th
Edmonde Charles-Roux
French journalist and author, wrote 'Oublier Piaf'
Born
April 17th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2016 10 years ago — 95 years old
A journalist and author with significant contributions to literature and cultural commentary. Worked for various publications including 'Le Figaro' and 'L'Express'. Authored several novels, with 'Oublier Piaf' gaining notable recognition. Served as a member of the Académie Goncourt, which awards prestigious literary prizes in France. Engaged in uncovering social issues and highlighting cultural stories through journalism and fiction.
Continue ReadingNeville McNamara
Air Marshal and WWII veteran
Born
April 17th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
May 7th, 2014 12 years ago — 91 years old
Served in the Royal Australian Air Force, playing a significant role during World War II. Contributed to air operations and command leadership in various capacities. After the war, advanced to the rank of Air Marshal, overseeing significant developments in the Australian Air Force. Held key positions that influenced aviation policy and air defense in Australia. Retrieved expertise in military strategy and aviation management throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingEliza Acton
Food writer and poet known for cooking.
Born
April 17th, 1799 227 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1859 167 years ago — 59 years old
A significant figure in English culinary literature, contributed as a food writer and poet. Authored the cookbook 'Modern Cookery for Private Families' which was one of the first to include precise measurements and timings for recipes, setting a new standard in cookbooks. The work garnered attention for its innovative approach and comprehensive nature, influencing future generations of writers and home cooks. Acton also wrote poetry, with her verses reflecting her experiences and insights.
Continue ReadingMartin Clemens
Scottish soldier and war composer
Born
April 17th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 94 years old
Born in Scotland, served as a soldier during World War II. Became a prisoner of war in 1942. During captivity, composed music and played the harmonica, which contributed to his comrades' morale. After the war, returned to Scotland and continued a career in music and writing, focusing on the experiences during the war. Clemens' war experiences and musical compositions captured the struggles faced during that time.
Continue ReadingJoan Lorring
British actress with notable film roles
Born
April 17th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2014 12 years ago — 88 years old
An actress celebrated for appearances in films during the mid-20th century. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the role in 'The Corn Is Green'. Featured in productions such as 'The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit' and 'The Best Years of Our Lives'. Lived and worked primarily in the United Kingdom, with a career spanning several decades, including performances on stage and in film.
Continue ReadingChavela Vargas
Singer-songwriter and actress
Born
April 17th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2012 13 years ago — 93 years old
Born in Costa Rica, this artist became a significant figure in the Mexican music scene, blending traditional ranchera with evocative expression. Gained popularity during the mid-20th century, performing in bars and events across Mexico. Achieved acclaim for a distinctive style that transcended gender norms, captivating audiences with emotional renditions and powerful performances. Collaborated with various artists and appeared in films, including 'Frida', which introduced her to international audiences. Her music, deeply rooted in personal experiences and cultural identity, resonated with many, and she became an iconic voice in Latin American music.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 13th
Lorraine O'Grady
American conceptual artist and writer
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2024 1 years ago — 90 years old
An artist and writer active in contemporary art, specialized in performance and conceptual practices. O'Grady gained recognition for exploring themes of race, identity, and feminism in art. Key works included the performance piece 'Art Is...,' which highlightedAfrican American women's experiences in the art world. Contributions to various exhibitions took place, including participation in the Whitney Biennial and the Venice Biennale. O'Grady's work also spanned writing, where essays and critiques examined intersections of art, culture, and politics.
Continue ReadingMaimonides
Spanish rabbi and philosopher
Born
March 30th, 1135 891 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1204 821 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent medieval rabbi and philosopher, this figure made significant contributions to Jewish law and philosophy. Born in Córdoba, Spain, in 1135, he later moved to Morocco and then Egypt. His major works include 'Mishneh Torah,' a comprehensive code of Jewish law, and 'Guide for the Perplexed,' which addresses the relationship between religion and philosophy. His writings sought to reconcile religious tradition with rational thought.
Continue ReadingReggie Duff
Australian cricketer; Test match player
Born
August 17th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1911 114 years ago — 33 years old
Born in 1878, a cricketer represented Australia at the international level. Played in the early years of Test cricket, participating in significant series that helped establish the sport in Australia. Made notable contributions as an opening batsman and was recognized for his aggressive playing style. Competed in several Ashes series, contributing to the team's efforts against England.
Continue ReadingWoldemar Voigt
German physicist and academic
Born
September 2nd, 1850 175 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1919 106 years ago — 69 years old
Contributions included work on the theory of elasticity and the study of wave propagation. Developed the concept of Voigt's continuum, which improved understanding of material behaviors under stress. Served as a professor at various universities, influencing the education of future scientists. Published significant papers and served on editorial boards of scientific journals.
Continue ReadingArthur Wesley Dow
Painter and photographer, art educator
Born
April 6th, 1857 169 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1922 103 years ago — 65 years old
A significant figure in American art, contributions included painting and photography, focusing on Asian design principles and their influence on Western art. Dow served as an educator, teaching at various institutions, including the Teacher's College at Columbia University. His written works, particularly 'Composition: A Series of Exercises in Art Structure for Students of All Art', provided guidance on artistic practice and education. Dow's approach emphasized harmony, balance, and beauty in composition.
Continue ReadingElisabeth Volkenrath
Concentration camp supervisor
Born
September 5th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1945 80 years ago — 26 years old
Supervised prisoners at the women's concentration camp in Ravensbrück during World War II. Held the position of overseer and was involved in the administration of the camp. Volkenrath's role included the enforcement of brutal conditions for inmates. After the war, she faced trial for war crimes.
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