Han van Meegeren
Painter and art forger
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
Mike Tobey
Basketball player for Valencia Basket
Born
October 10th, 1994 31 years ago
Born in 1994, played college basketball at the University of Virginia, leading the team to an NCAA championship in 2019. Transitioned to professional basketball, signing with Valencia Basket in Spain's Liga ACB. Achieved success in European competitions, contributing to the team’s performance in the EuroCup.
Continue ReadingChris Ofili
British painter renowned for The Holy Virgin Mary
Born
October 10th, 1968 57 years ago
A prominent painter emerged in the 1990s, recognized for unique and colorful artworks that blend African culture and contemporary themes. Explored subjects of identity and spirituality through diverse materials, including elephant dung. Gained significant attention for the 1996 painting 'The Holy Virgin Mary', which sparked debate and discussion regarding cultural representation in art. His work often incorporates personal symbolism and elaborate patterns, reflecting a fusion of different influences and his Nigerian heritage.
Continue ReadingTereza Smitková
Czech tennis player and competitor
Born
October 10th, 1994 31 years ago
This individual is a professional tennis player from the Czech Republic. Smitková competed primarily in the WTA Tour and on the ITF Circuit. In 2012, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the junior title at the Australian Open. Throughout her career, participation in various Grand Slam tournaments contributed to her ranking and recognition within the sport. Smitková's performance in doubles also showcased her versatility, partnering with other players to achieve notable results.
Continue ReadingIlya Mikheyev
Ice hockey player, NHL player for the Canucks
Born
October 10th, 1994 31 years ago
Born in Russia, a professional ice hockey player. Played in the Kontinental Hockey League before signing with the NHL. Joined the Vancouver Canucks, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Has represented his country in international competitions, showcasing skills and competitiveness on the ice. Known for speed, agility, and offensive capabilities.
Continue ReadingLourdes Gurriel Jr.
Cuban baseball player (Toronto Blue Jays)
Born
October 10th, 1993 32 years ago
Professional baseball player from Cuba. Played as an infielder in Major League Baseball. Joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018 after a successful career in the Cuban Serie Nacional. Gained recognition for his performance in the 2019 season, displaying impressive hitting ability and defensive skills. Represented Cuba in international competitions, contributing to the national team's successes.
Continue ReadingAdam Johann von Krusenstern
Imperial Russian Admiral and explorer
Born
October 10th, 1770 255 years ago
Died
1846 180 years ago — 76 years old
Born in 1770, served as an admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy and led the first Russian circumnavigation of the globe from 1803 to 1806. This expedition attempted to establish a trade route with North America and provided valuable data on geography and local populations. The endeavor contributed significantly to Russia's maritime knowledge and presence in the Pacific.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 30th
Archduke Eugen of Austria
Austrian Archduke and field marshal
Born
May 21st, 1863 162 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1954 71 years ago — 91 years old
Served in the Austro-Hungarian Army and participated in World War I. Commanded the 3rd Army during the war, particularly noted for military leadership on the Italian front. Contributed to the modernization of military tactics and strategy. Also recognized for significant involvement in various cultural and scientific endeavors in Austria.
Continue ReadingIsamu Noguchi
Sculptor and architect of modern landscapes
Born
November 17th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1988 37 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent sculptor and architect, contributed significantly to the field of modern sculpture and landscape design. Studied under renowned artists and incorporated elements from various cultures into work. Established a unique style that blended art and architecture, reflecting a strong connection to nature. The work includes many public sculptures and installations, with a focus on harmony between the built environment and the natural world.
Continue ReadingCarl Woese
Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea
Born
July 15th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2012 13 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed significantly to microbial phylogeny and the tree of life. Developed the concept of archaea, a separate domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. His work utilized ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques to classify organisms based on genetic material. Published the groundbreaking paper 'The Universal Tree of Life' which reshaped the understanding of evolutionary biology. Served as a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received numerous accolades for research in genetics and microbiology.
Continue ReadingRona Jaffe
American novelist with The Best of Everything
Born
June 12th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2005 20 years ago — 74 years old
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 ReadingTrygve Lie
Norwegian politician and UN Secretary-General
Born
July 16th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1968 57 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent Norwegian trade union leader and politician served as the first Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1946 to 1952. Lie played a key role in establishing the UN and shaping its early policies. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Korean War, which tested the organization's effectiveness in conflict resolution. After stepping down from the role, he remained active in international diplomacy and served in various other positions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingJohn Gregory Dunne
Novelist and screenwriter of 'Play It as It Lays'
Born
May 25th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2003 22 years ago — 71 years old
An American novelist, screenwriter, and critic contributed significantly to literature and film through a career spanning several decades. Authored several novels, including 'Play It as It Lays', which explored themes of despair and disillusionment in modern society. Collaborated with wife Joan Didion on screenplays such as 'Panic in Needle Park' and 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution'. Additionally, served as a critic for various publications, offering insights into contemporary American culture. Dunne's writing often reflected personal experiences and societal observations, garnering attention for its incisive prose and depth of characterization.
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