Erwin Panofsky
Art historian and iconology pioneer
Contributions included foundational work in art history and iconology. Focused on the analysis of art within its historical context, developing methods to interpret the symbolic content of artworks. Published influential texts, including 'Studies in Iconology' and 'Meaning in the Visual Arts', which shaped the discipline and provided frameworks still in use today. Actively taught at various institutions, establishing courses that influenced future generations of art historians.
Published 'Studies in Iconology'
Developed methodologies in art interpretation
Taught at Princeton University
Other People Born on March 30th
Frankie Laine
Singer-songwriter and actor; 'High Noon'
Born
March 30th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2007 19 years ago — 93 years old
An American singer-songwriter and actor gained fame during the mid-20th century. Laine recorded numerous hit songs across various genres, prominently featuring country and pop styles. 'High Noon', a theme song for the classic Western film of the same name, became one of his signature pieces. Laine's musical career included successful collaborations and chart-topping records, marking him as a significant figure in the music industry. He also made numerous appearances on television, contributing to his popularity in entertainment during his era.
Continue ReadingPaul Verlaine
French Poet, 'Romances sans paroles'
Born
March 30th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1896 130 years ago — 51 years old
Active during the late 19th century, contributed significantly to French literature through poetry. Associated with the Symbolist movement, established a reputation through works that explored the nuances of emotion and nature. Produced influential collections such as 'Romances sans paroles' and 'Fêtes galantes', which showcased musical rhythm and intricate imagery. The tense relationship with fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud influenced much of the work, reflecting personal struggles and themes of love and despair. Verlaine's style altered perceptions of poetic expression and established a legacy in modern poetry.
Continue ReadingDoug Wickenheiser
Ice Hockey Player and first overall pick
Born
March 30th, 1961 64 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1999 27 years ago — 37 years old
Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Rangers. Wickenheiser was selected first overall in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. His career included stints in various teams in the NHL as well as in minor leagues like the American Hockey League (AHL). After retirement, he contributed to the sport through coaching and player development. Wickenheiser faced health challenges later in life, including a battle with cancer, which led to his death in 1999.
Continue ReadingMarc Davis
Animator and screenwriter for Disney
Born
March 30th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2000 26 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent animator and one of the Nine Old Men at Disney, contributed to several classic animated films. Played a vital role in creating characters and sequences for some of Disney's most beloved productions. Also worked on the Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks, designing attractions and characters.
Continue ReadingCarl Lutz
Swiss vice-consul and humanitarian efforts
Born
March 30th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1975 50 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the Swiss vice-consul in Hungary during World War II. Facilitated the issuance of protective letters, which helped save thousands of Jews from deportation and persecution. Worked tirelessly to negotiate and provide asylum for those fleeing the Nazi regime. His efforts contributed to the survival of over 62,000 Jews, making a significant impact during a time of immense crisis. Continued advocacy for humanitarian causes after the war and focused on raising awareness about the Holocaust.
Continue ReadingRobert Badinter
French lawyer and Minister of Justice
Born
March 30th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2024 2 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the French Minister of Justice from 1981 to 1986. Played a key role in the abolition of the death penalty in France, advocating for legal reform and human rights. Contributed to the establishment of the law on personal data protection, which enhanced individual privacy rights. Badinter has also been involved in various legal and human rights organizations throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 14th
Susan Hayward
American actress and Academy Award winner
Born
June 30th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1975 50 years ago — 57 years old
An American actress, recognized for performances in films during the mid-20th century. Gained acclaim for roles in motion pictures such as 'I'll Cry Tomorrow' and 'Where Love Has Gone'. Earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for the film 'I Want to Live!' in 1958. Had a successful career spanning over three decades, featuring numerous nominations and several wins at prestigious award ceremonies. Transitioned from stage to film, establishing a prominent presence in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingTony Benn
British Politician and Postmaster General
Born
April 3rd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2014 11 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent figure in the British Labour Party, served as the Postmaster General from 1964 to 1965. Held various cabinet positions, including Minister of Technology and Secretary of State for Industry. Advocated for socialist policies and the rights of workers throughout a lengthy career in politics, which spanned decades. Engaged in public speaking and writing, focusing on political reform and social change. Retained a substantial following over the years, continuing to influence political discourse even after retirement from active politics.
Continue ReadingWilliam Alfred Fowler
Physicist and astronomer, Nobel laureate
Born
August 9th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1995 30 years ago — 83 years old
Accomplished physicist and astronomer focused on nuclear processes and stellar evolution. Contributed to understanding nucleosynthesis, the formation of elements in stars. Played a significant role in advancing astrophysics through research and education. Served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology and shared insights through numerous publications. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for contributions to elucidating stellar nucleosynthesis and processes occurring in the universe.
Continue ReadingJean Domat
French jurist and legal theorist
Born
November 30th, 1625 400 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1696 329 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent figure in the development of French legal thought, Domat contributed significantly to the systematization of laws in France. His works laid foundational principles for civil law, emphasizing the importance of reason and justice in legal frameworks. Domat's most influential work, 'Les Loix civiles dans leur ordre naturel', established a comprehensive organization of civil law, which influenced subsequent legal systems. His writings sought to synthesize and clarify the complexities of existing laws, promoting a more coherent legal structure for the French nation. Domat was also involved in various legal reforms during his career, advocating for a logical application of law in society. His approach set the stage for the codification of laws that followed.
Continue ReadingZita of Bourbon-Parma
Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary
Born
May 9th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1989 36 years ago — 96 years old
Held the title of Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, serving during a tumultuous time marked by World War I. Zita became the last Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary from the House of Habsburg. After the defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, went into exile alongside her family. Spent years in Switzerland and other countries before returning to Austria for a visit in 1987. Died in 1989 at the age of 96, remembered for her commitment to her family's legacy and work during crises.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Gottlieb Klopstock
German poet and author of 'Messiah'
Born
July 2nd, 1724 301 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1803 222 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent German poet, Klopstock's work marked a significant development in German literature during the 18th century. Best recognized for the epic poem 'Messiah', which was released in five parts from 1748 to 1773, the poem was influential in shaping German literary identity. Klopstock's poetic style and themes contributed to the Sturm und Drang movement, expressing deep emotional experiences and spiritual reflections. His literary contributions were widely appreciated during his lifetime, earning respect and admiration from contemporaries and later generations.
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