James Thornhill

Painter and politician, painted the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral

James Thornhill - Artists & Creatives born 1675
Born

1675
351 years ago

Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

England

Links & References

A prominent English painter and politician, contributed significantly to the decoration of St. Paul's Cathedral, creating a stunning painted dome that remains iconic. Active during the early 18th century, served as a Member of Parliament while engaging in painting commissions. Thornhill's work exemplifies the Baroque style in England and reflects the artistic trends of the period. His contributions include large-scale public works that highlight religious themes, aiming to inspire and educate the public through art.

Painted the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral

Served as a Member of Parliament

Other People Who Died on May 4th

Rashidi Yekini

Nigerian footballer and national team star
Born
October 23rd, 1963 63 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2012 14 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent figure in Nigerian football, Yekini began his professional career in 1981 with Abiola Babes. His prowess on the field became evident when he joined Sporting Lisbon in 1994. Yekini gained international recognition during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, scoring Nigeria's first-ever goal in the tournament against Bulgaria. He also represented Nigeria in multiple African Cup of Nations tournaments, contributing significantly to the team's performance. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's victory in the 1994 African Cup of Nations, helping the team secure the championship title. Yekini's impactful career spanned over two decades, ending in 2001 after a successful stint in various clubs across Europe and Africa.

Continue Reading

Elena Baltacha

Ukrainian-Scottish tennis player and coach
Born
August 14th, 1983 43 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2014 12 years ago — 30 years old

Born in 1983, this athlete competed in professional tennis, representing Great Britain. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 49. Throughout her career, numerous tournaments were contested, including Wimbledon and the US Open. Post-retirement, a focus shifted to coaching and promoting tennis among young players after battling illness. A foundation was established to support aspiring athletes.

Continue Reading

Eustace Budgell

Journalist and politician in England
Born
August 19th, 1686 340 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1737 289 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1686, a journalist and politician contributed significantly to the political landscape of early 18th century England. Budgell served as a member of Parliament and was a prominent figure in the political discourse of his time. He was associated with the Whig party and engaged in various literary endeavors, writing extensively in periodicals. His work often focused on issues of the day and he was involved in political controversies that shaped public opinion. Budgell also played a role in the development of political journalism in England. His efforts in print media helped in advocating for political thoughts and ideologies of the period.

Continue Reading

Moe Howard

Comedian and The Three Stooges member
Born
June 19th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1975 51 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent American comedian and one of the founding members of The Three Stooges, contributed greatly to the world of slapstick comedy. The group created a series of short films that gained popularity for their unique humor and physical comedy style. Initially starting in vaudeville, the group shifted to the film industry in the early 1930s, achieving significant success. Their comedic routines included distinct character dynamics and memorable catchphrases. The group’s influence extended over several decades, with a lasting legacy in comedy.

Continue Reading

Denis Davydov

Russian general and poet
Born
July 27th, 1784 242 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1839 187 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 1784, a military officer and poet served in the Napoleonic Wars. Established a reputation as a skilled cavalry commander within the Russian army. Authored poems that celebrated patriotism and the spirit of the Russian people, often reflecting military experiences. Contributed to Russian literature and was associated with the Decembrists, influencing literary circles of the time. Passed away in 1839.

Continue Reading

Joseph Diaz Gergonne

French mathematician and philosopher
Born
June 19th, 1771 255 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1859 167 years ago — 87 years old

Gergonne contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. His work focused on projective geometry and combinatorial analysis. He established mathematical terminology and notation that are still used today. Gergonne also engaged in the promotion and teaching of mathematics in various educational institutions.

Continue Reading