Han van Meegeren
Painter and art forger
Born
October 10th, 1889
135 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1947
77 years ago — 58 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
Born in the Netherlands, a painter and art forger achieved notoriety during the early to mid-20th century. Initially trained in traditional painting, later shifted focus to forgery. Created a series of forgeries that were passed off as original works by the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. One of the most significant forgeries, 'Christ and the Woman of Samaria,' led to a high-profile court case after its sale to a Nazi officer. Conviction in the art world followed, marking a controversial chapter in art history. Despite the scandal, continued to influence discussions on authenticity in art.
Forged paintings attributed to Vermeer
Convicted for art forgery in a high-profile case
Other People Born on October 10th
Kim Ki-young
A director, screenwriter, and producer originating from South Korea, contributed significantly to the film industry throughout the mid-20th century. Debuted in the 1950s, gained prominence with the film 'The Housemaid' in 1960, which became a critical success and is considered a landmark in Korean cinema. His works often explored themes of family, social conflict, and moral dilemmas. Continued to create films well into the 1990s, depicting intricate narratives and complex characters. Influenced many contemporary filmmakers both in South Korea and internationally.
Continue ReadingGail Halvorsen
An air force pilot served during World War II and later participated in the Berlin Airlift. Developed a unique method to boost morale among children in Berlin by dropping candy from planes, which gained widespread attention and affection. This initiative earned the nickname 'Berlin Candy Bomber' and became a symbol of kindness during a tumultuous time.
Continue ReadingThelonious Monk
A prominent figure in the development of jazz, contributed to the genre with unique compositions and improvisational style. Active during the mid-20th century, provided influential pieces that shaped modern jazz. Gained recognition for performances in New York City, particularly at thelonious monk's jazz club. His innovative approach combined dissonance with sophisticated harmonic ideas, leading to a distinct sound in the jazz world.
Continue ReadingToby Smith
Played professional rugby union, primarily as a prop. Started career with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, contributing to the team's strong performances during his tenure. Later joined the Melbourne Rebels, continuing to showcase skills in the forward pack. Represented New Zealand at age-grade levels, building a reputation for strong scrummaging and versatility across the front row. Transitioned to international rugby, earning selection for the national team and participating in high-profile matches.
Continue ReadingBrenko Lee
Born in 1995, this rugby league player represented Australia and Tonga during an athletic career in the National Rugby League (NRL). Playing primarily as a center, showcased skills at teams including the Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans, and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Notable for scoring tries in crucial matches, contributed to multiple game victories and team rankings.
Continue ReadingAlfred Neuland
Estonian weightlifter represented Estonia at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Competed in the lightweight category and achieved significant recognition for performances in international competitions. Contributed to the popularization of weightlifting in Estonia during the early 20th century. Was an influential figure in the sports community in Estonia throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 30th
Ronald Searle
Born in 1920, this individual served as a soldier in World War II before establishing a career as an illustrator. After the war, lived in France and began to gain recognition for distinctive illustrations that often featured humor and wit. Created the St. Trinian's series, which depicted the antics of unruly schoolgirls, leading to a number of films and a lasting cultural impact. Worked as an illustrator for magazines, books, and newspapers, showcasing a talent for caricature and satire. His work was characterized by a unique style that combined detailed line work with playful themes.
Continue ReadingDawn Wells
An actress recognized for portraying Mary Ann Summers on the classic television series Gilligan's Island, which aired from 1964 to 1967. Wells began her career in the entertainment industry as a model after winning the title of Miss Nevada in 1959. Following her role on Gilligan's Island, Wells made guest appearances on various TV shows, including The Brady Bunch and Roseanne. She also participated in several theatrical productions and appeared in television films, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Continue ReadingSong Jin-woo
A South Korean journalist and politician with significant contributions to the political landscape. Played a pivotal role in the Korean independence movement and advocated for democratic reforms. Established various media outlets to promote freedom of expression and informed the public about political issues. Worked towards the liberation of Korea from colonial rule. His efforts in both journalism and politics helped shape the discourse around Korean identity and governance during a turbulent period in history.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Battista Giraldi
An Italian author and poet contributed significantly to Renaissance literature. His works explored themes of love, heroism, and conflict, often drawing inspiration from classical traditions. One of the most notable works includes 'Orlando Furioso', a narrative poem that expanded upon the Arthurian legends. Giraldi also wrote various plays and stories that added depth to the literary landscape of the time. His writing style helped shape the cultural discourse of the period, influencing contemporary and later writers.
Continue ReadingRona Jaffe
An American novelist achieved recognition through numerous literary works throughout the 20th century. 'The Best of Everything', published in 1958, explored the lives of young women in the workforce and became a cultural touchstone. Jaffe published several novels, many of which were adapted into films and television series. In addition to her novels, Jaffe wrote for magazines and worked as a screenwriter. The themes in her works often featured strong female characters and societal issues relevant to women. She continued to write well into her later years, contributing to the genre of women's fiction.
Continue ReadingDoris Grau
Contributed as a voice actor and script supervisor. Provided the voice for several characters on the animated television series The Simpsons, including the character of lunchlady Doris. Participated in various voice-over projects and was involved in the production side of animation, impacting the quality of scripts. Engaged in the advertising and commercial industry through voice work.
Continue Reading