Christina

Queen of Sweden, patron of arts

Christina - Queen of Sweden, patron of arts
Born

August 16th, 1565
459 years ago

Died

April 19th, 1689
336 years ago — 123 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Sweden

Links & References

Ruled as the queen regnant of Sweden from 1632 to 1654. Renowned for adopting a lifestyle that was unconventional for her time, she became a prominent patron of the arts and philosophy during the Baroque period. After abdicating the throne, moved to Rome, where she embraced Catholicism and continued to promote arts and culture. Her reign was marked by significant efforts to modernize the Swedish monarchy and promote intellectual discourse.

Ruled as queen regnant of Sweden

Abdicated the throne in favor of her cousin

Patronized great artists and philosophers

Other People Born on August 16th

Suzanne Farrell

Ballerina and ballet educator
Born
August 16th, 1945 79 years ago

An iconic ballerina, celebrated for interpretations of works by George Balanchine. Trained at the School of American Ballet, joined the New York City Ballet in 1961. Created numerous roles in Balanchine's ballet repertoire, becoming a principal dancer and later an educator. Established the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, dedicated to preserving and performing Balanchine's works. Served on the faculty at the Kennedy Center and taught ballet at various institutions.

Continue Reading

Ryan Longwell

American football placekicker
Born
August 16th, 1974 50 years ago

Ryan Longwell played as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. Longwell was selected in the 1997 NFL Draft and began his professional career with the Packers, where he won Super Bowl XXXI. Longwell later played for the Vikings, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He is recognized for his consistent performance and accuracy throughout his career, becoming one of the league's most effective kickers in history.

Continue Reading

Ara Güler

Photographer focusing on Istanbul imagery
Born
August 16th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent photographer and journalist, contributed significantly to the field of photojournalism in Turkey. Captured Istanbul's essence through evocative images, blending documentary and artistic styles. His work appeared in various international publications, establishing a reputation as the 'Eye of Istanbul'. Published several books featuring iconic photographs of the city, reflecting its cultural and historical richness. In 2006, received the prestigious 'Master of Photography' award at the Aroq International Festival.

Continue Reading

Marc Sergeant

Cyclist and cycling team manager
Born
August 16th, 1959 65 years ago

A professional cyclist and cycling team manager, achieved prominence in the sport of cycling. Competed in various prestigious races during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Transitioned to team management roles, leading several successful teams in the professional cycling circuit. Helped develop talent and strategies that shaped the future of competitive cycling.

Continue Reading

Vanessa Carlton

Singer-songwriter, 'A Thousand Miles'
Born
August 16th, 1980 44 years ago

Born in 1980, a singer-songwriter gained recognition with the release of the debut single 'A Thousand Miles' in 2002. This song became a significant hit, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and received multiple award nominations, including Grammy nods. The debut album, 'Be Not Nobody,' showcased a blend of pop and piano-driven melodies. Subsequent albums explored varied musical styles and themes, further establishing a career in the music industry. The artist has toured extensively, performing in numerous countries and collaborating with other musicians throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Masoud Barzani

Kurdish politician, former President of Kurdistan
Born
August 16th, 1946 78 years ago

Born in 1946, this individual served as the President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq from 2005 to 2017. Originally involved in the Kurdish liberation movement, headed the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and played a key role in establishing the autonomous status of the Kurdistan Region within Iraq. The presidency focused on economic development and attempts to negotiate more autonomy for the Kurdish population. Promoted Kurdish nationalism and played a significant role during Iraq's constitutional processes post-2003 invasion.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 19th

Thomas Playford II

Politician, 17th Premier of South Australia
Born
November 26th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1915 110 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 17th Premier of South Australia from 1938 to 1941. Held various political positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Industry. Contributed to the development of South Australian labor policies and infrastructure projects. His tenure included significant challenges posed by World War II and economic issues of the time.

Continue Reading

Konrad Adenauer

Chancellor of West Germany
Born
January 5th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1967 58 years ago — 91 years old

A lawyer and politician served as the first Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. Adenauer played a central role in shaping the post-World War II landscape and the integration of West Germany into Western Europe. His policies focused on economic recovery and modernization, establishing a social market economy that contributed to the 'Wirtschaftswunder' or economic miracle. Adenauer was instrumental in founding the European Economic Community, which laid the groundwork for the European Union. He was also a key figure in the establishment of NATO, solidifying West Germany's alignment with the West during the Cold War.

Continue Reading

Louis Applebaum

Canadian composer and conductor
Born
April 3rd, 1918 107 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2000 25 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent Canadian composer and conductor, contributed significantly to the development of Canadian music. In 1940, became the first music director for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Television. Composed many works spanning various genres, including orchestral and choral music. Collaborated with artists across different fields, enhancing the cultural landscape of Canada.

Continue Reading

Ulrich Salchow

Figure skater and Olympic champion
Born
1877 148 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1949 76 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure skater, achieved significant success during the early 20th century. Competed in several World Championships, securing a position as the leading figure in the sport. Won the gold medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, marking a notable achievement in figure skating history. Contributed to the popularization of figure skating techniques and styles through performances and competitions.

Continue Reading

Levon Helm

Musician and actor, The Band drummer
Born
May 26th, 1940 84 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2012 13 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent musician and actor, significant contributions occurred in the rock music scene. Played drums and provided vocals for the influential group The Band. The Band's work included acclaimed albums such as 'Music from Big Pink' and 'The Last Waltz', a famous concert film that featured numerous guest artists. Additionally, participated in various film projects, including 'Coal Miner's Daughter', portraying Loretta Lynn's father.

Continue Reading

John Maynard Smith

Biologist and geneticist, game theory expert
Born
January 6th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2004 21 years ago — 84 years old

Pioneered the study of evolutionary biology and genetics. Developed concepts in game theory as applied to biology. Contributed to understanding genetic linkage and evolutionary strategies. Published numerous influential papers and books, including 'Evolution and the Theory of Games.'

Continue Reading