Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi

French sculptor, designer of Statue of Liberty

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi - French sculptor, designer of Statue of Liberty
Born

August 2nd, 1834
191 years ago

Died

1904
121 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

Born in France, a prominent sculptor emerged in the 19th century. Studied at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts in Paris. Gained international recognition for designing the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, completed in 1886. This monumental work symbolizes freedom and democracy. Bartholdi also created various other sculptures and participated in multiple exhibitions across Europe.

Designed the Statue of Liberty in 1886

Created the Lion of Belfort in Belfort, France

Other People Born on August 2nd

Lee Mavers

Singer and songwriter for The La's
Born
August 2nd, 1962 63 years ago

An English singer, songwriter, and guitarist, this individual gained prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band The La's. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1990, featured the hit single 'There She Goes', which became a defining track of the Britpop era. The La's music is characterized by its jangly guitar sound and catchy melodies, which drew influence from the Merseybeat sound. Despite facing challenges with recording and lineup changes, this musician's creative vision continued to resonate with audiences. The La's garnered a cult following in the years following their initial success, and their music influenced many emerging bands in the British music scene.

Continue Reading

Skylar Diggins-Smith

Basketball player, 3-time WNBA All-Star
Born
August 2nd, 1990 35 years ago

Professional basketball player played for the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Achieved a standout collegiate career at Notre Dame, leading the team to multiple NCAA championships. Honored as a three-time WNBA All-Star and WNBA All-Rookie Team member. Contributed to the U.S. national team, securing gold medals in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Kristaps Porziņģis

Latvian basketball player; NBA All-Star
Born
August 2nd, 1995 30 years ago

Born in Latvia in 1995, a basketball player gained attention as a skilled center and power forward. Moved to the NBA, where select teams included the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and the Boston Celtics. Achieved recognition for versatility, shot-blocking, and three-point shooting. Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Knicks. Earned an NBA All-Star selection in 2018, showcasing performance and skill at a high level. Contributed to international competitions representing Latvia, helping to elevate the profile of basketball in the country.

Continue Reading

Ernest Dowson

English poet and novelist
Born
August 2nd, 1867 158 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1900 125 years ago — 32 years old

An English poet, novelist, and short story writer, contributed significantly to late Victorian literature. Notable for the poem "Non Sum Qualis Eram Bonae sub Regno Cynarae," which reflects themes of love and loss. His literary style combined influences from Romanticism and Decadence, often featuring melancholic and introspective themes. Dowson also wrote novels and prose works, including 'Mrs. Gming on,' although poetry remains the primary focus of his legacy. He was a member of the Rhymers' Club, which promoted new poetry during the late 19th century.

Continue Reading

Valery Bykovsky

Cosmonaut and Russian general
Born
August 2nd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 85 years old

A Soviet cosmonaut and general in the air force, contributed significantly to space exploration. Flew on two spaceflights, first in 1963 on Vostok 5, which lasted five days, marking one of the longest space missions at the time. Commanded the Soyuz 22 mission in 1976. Served as a test pilot, demonstrating exceptional skills in various aircraft. After retiring from space missions, took on multiple leadership roles within the military and space organizations.

Continue Reading

Billy Cannon

American football player and dentist
Born
August 2nd, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 81 years old

Played college football at Louisiana State University, where achieved fame in 1959 by winning the Heisman Trophy. Played professionally in the National Football League and the American Football League primarily for the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers. After retiring from sports, pursued a career in dentistry and opened a practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Continue Reading