Christian Fürchtegott Gellert

German poet and academic, notable fables

Christian Fürchtegott Gellert - German poet and academic, notable fables
Born

July 4th, 1715
309 years ago

Died

December 13th, 1769
255 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Germany

Links & References

A significant figure in German literature, contributed to the development of the fable genre. Served as a professor of philosophy at the University of Leipzig. Gellert's works often included moral lessons and reflected Enlightenment ideals. The collection of fables, alongside poetry, showcased the language's beauty and simplicity. Authored essays and plays, which affirmed his standing in literary circles of the time.

Authored 'Fables' collection

Contributed to moral philosophy

Wrote 'The Life of the Lamented'

Other People Born on July 4th

Leona Helmsley

American hotelier and real estate leader
Born
July 4th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2007 17 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent business figure in the hotel and real estate industry, operated the Helmsley Hotels. Gained notoriety for operating high-end hotels in New York City, including the famous Parker Meridien and the Grand Hyatt. Her business strategies and controversies garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Became a key figure in the New York social scene during the 1980s, often associated with luxury living and extravagant lifestyles. Her legal troubles in the late 1980s and her eventual conviction for tax evasion, which led to a four-year prison sentence, marked significant turning points in her life.

Continue Reading

René Arnoux

French race car driver, Formula One competitor
Born
July 4th, 1948 76 years ago

Competed in Formula One from 1978 to 1989, achieving significant success with the Renault team. Gained recognition for his fierce rivalries, particularly with Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet. Won a total of seven Grand Prix races. Demonstrated exceptional skill at the 1982 German Grand Prix, where a memorable battle with teammate Alain Prost captivated fans. Retired from Formula One but continued to participate in various motor racing events, maintaining a prominent presence in the sport.

Continue Reading

Dimitrios Mavroeidis

Greek basketball player, Olympian
Born
July 4th, 1985 39 years ago

Born in 1985, played professional basketball primarily as a center. Competed for various teams in the European leagues, including Olympiacos and AEK Athens. Represented Greece in international competitions, contributing to the national team's success. Participated in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and was part of the squad that won the gold medal at the EuroBasket 2005.

Continue Reading

Gina Lollobrigida

Italian actress and photographer, cinema star
Born
July 4th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent figure in Italian cinema, this actress gained international fame during the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in several films, including 'Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. In addition to acting, she pursued a successful career in photography, capturing images of various celebrities and events. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards for her contributions to film and the arts, including a Golden Globe Award. The actress later transitioned to journalism and took on various roles including that of a politician, advocating for humanitarian causes.

Continue Reading

Alan Wilson

American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
July 4th, 1943 81 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1970 54 years ago — 27 years old

Originated as a prominent figure in the American music scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Gained recognition as a founding member of the band Canned Heat. Contributed to the band's unique blues-rock sound and co-wrote several of their notable songs, including 'On the Road Again' and 'Going Up the Country'. Exhibited skills as a slide guitarist and harmonica player, enhancing the band's performances. Participated in music festivals, including Woodstock in 1969, and contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the blues genre.

Continue Reading

Queen Sonja of Norway

Queen and Art Patron of Norway
Born
July 4th, 1937 87 years ago

Born in July 1937, a prominent figure in Norway's royal family and a passionate advocate for arts and culture. Holds the title of Queen of Norway since 1991, contributing to various cultural and humanitarian initiatives. Engaged in numerous social issues, promoting education, and mental health awareness. Actively participated in the establishment of the Queen Sonja Art Stable in 2011, enhancing the public's appreciation for the visual arts through exhibitions and programs.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 13th

Grandma Moses

American painter of folk art
Born
September 7th, 1860 164 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1961 63 years ago — 101 years old

An American painter began painting in her seventies, focusing on folk art that depicted rural life and landscapes. Paintings featured vibrant colors and a naive style, capturing scenes of everyday activities and seasonal changes. Gained national attention after a 1940 exhibition in New York City. Art remains celebrated for its charm and simplicity, appealing to a broad audience. Continued creating art into her nineties and received recognition for contributions to American art.

Continue Reading

Victor Grignard

Chemist, Nobel Prize laureate, Grignard reagent
Born
May 6th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1935 89 years ago — 64 years old

An influential chemist, contributions to organometallic chemistry include the development of Grignard reagents. These reagents became fundamental in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. Grignard served as a professor at the University of Lyon and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1912 for his research. His work laid the groundwork for advancements in both industrial applications and academic research in chemistry.

Continue Reading

Noël Doiron

Acadia leader during early 18th century
Born
1684 341 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1758 266 years ago — 74 years old

Served as a prominent Acadian leader during a critical period in the history of Acadia. Actively involved in colonial affairs, played a significant role in navigating the challenges faced by the Acadian community due to territorial disputes and conflicts in North America. Engaged in negotiations with both colonial authorities and indigenous peoples, aiming to secure the rights and interests of the Acadian population. His leadership was pivotal in addressing the impacts of the British policies that affected the Acadians during the 1750s, before passing away in 1758.

Continue Reading

August Šenoa

Croatian author and poet of 'Zlatarevo zlato'
Born
November 14th, 1838 186 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1881 143 years ago — 43 years old

An influential Croatian author, poet, and literary critic, this individual significantly contributed to Croatian literature in the 19th century. Active during a period of national revival, this writer's works often explored themes of history and folklore. Most notable work, 'Zlatarevo zlato' (The Goldsmith's Treasure), is a historical novel that combines romance with a rich depiction of Zagreb in the 16th century. Other works include plays and essays that reflect on Croatian identity and culture. In addition to fiction, criticism played a crucial role in the development of literary standards in Croatia.

Continue Reading

Pepin I of Aquitaine

Duke of Aquitaine
Died
December 13th, 838 1186 years ago — None years old

Served as Duke of Aquitaine from approximately 814 until death in 838. Ascended to power during a period of political complexity in the Carolingian Empire. Had a significant role in the regional governance under the Frankish monarchy. Engaged in various military campaigns and administrative reforms. Established stronger ties between Aquitaine and the Carolingian dynasty, navigating the challenges of local nobility throughout his rule.

Continue Reading

Victor de Laprade

French poet and literary critic
Born
January 13th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1883 141 years ago — 71 years old

Born in France in 1812, a poet and literary critic contributed significantly to French literature in the 19th century. His poetry often reflected Romantic themes and explored philosophical ideas. De Laprade published several collections, with 'Les Poèmes' being among the notable works. His critical essays dissected contemporary poetry and advocated for artistic integrity, influencing future generations of writers and critics.

Continue Reading