Jan van der Heyden
Dutch painter and engineer of cityscapes
A prominent painter and engineer, contributed significantly to the art of cityscapes in the 17th century. Produced detailed views of Amsterdam and other cities, capturing architecture and urban life with remarkable precision. Developed innovative fire-fighting techniques, including the fire engine that was adopted in Amsterdam. His work is characterized by a keen eye for realism and light, influencing future generations of artists in the genre of cityscapes.
Created detailed paintings of Amsterdam
Developed early fire-fighting equipment
Other People Born on March 5th
Jan van Beveren
Dutch footballer and coach, PSV Eindhoven
Born
March 5th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2011 14 years ago — 63 years old
A Dutch footballer and coach began a career as a goalkeeper. Played for several clubs, most notably PSV Eindhoven, contributing to the team's success during the 1970s. After retiring from professional play, transitioned into coaching, where experience as a player informed coaching strategies. Known for leadership in training sessions and player development.
Continue ReadingHeitor Villa-Lobos
Brazilian composer and guitarist
Born
March 5th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1959 66 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent Brazilian composer and guitarist, contributed significantly to the development of Brazilian classical music. Composed a vast array of works including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral music that integrated Brazilian folk elements. Studied under notable mentors and became a key figure in modern classical music in Brazil. Served as the director of the Department of Music of the Ministry of Education and Culture in Brazil. Internationally recognized for bringing Brazilian music to the global stage.
Continue ReadingGerardus Mercator
Flemish cartographer and mathematician
Born
March 5th, 1512 513 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1594 431 years ago — 82 years old
Born in Flanders, this mathematician and cartographer developed a new method for representing the spherical earth on a flat surface. His 1569 world map introduced the Mercator projection, which became widely used in navigation due to its ability to represent lines of constant course. Apart from cartography, engaged in philosophical inquiry and mathematical studies that contributed to the fields of geography and navigation. The impact of this work extended beyond his lifetime, cementing a significant place in the history of map-making.
Continue ReadingSubroto Mukerjee
Indian Air Force Chief
Born
March 5th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
November 8th, 1960 65 years ago — 49 years old
Served as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force from its inception in 1954 until death in 1960. Played a crucial role in establishing the Indian Air Force as a modern and capable military branch. Instrumental in the formulation of air defense policies and operational strategies for the country. Contributed to training and development programs, impacting the recruitment and preparedness of air force personnel during early years of the force.
Continue ReadingCanaan Banana
Zimbabwean politician, 1st President
Born
March 5th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
November 10th, 2003 22 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the first President of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987. After independence from British colonial rule, held various leadership roles within the Zimbabwe African National Union. Contributed to the establishment of a new governmental framework in an emerging nation. Actively engaged in addressing national challenges and promoting unity post-independence. Continued to influence Zimbabwean politics through involvement in various capacities after presidency.
Continue ReadingWilliam Oughtred
English mathematician and inventor of the slide rule
Born
March 5th, 1575 450 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1660 365 years ago — 85 years old
An English minister and mathematician, Oughtred contributed significantly to the field of mathematics in the 17th century. He introduced the slide rule, a device used for calculation based on logarithms, and authored several influential mathematical texts, including 'The Circle of Proportion' and 'The Art of Mathematics'. His works helped to formalize and advance mathematical notation. Oughtred served as a minister in the Church of England, balancing his religious duties with his passion for mathematics, and gained respect among mathematicians in his lifetime.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 12th
Candace Pert
Neuroscientist and pharmacologist
Born
June 26th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2013 12 years ago — 67 years old
A significant figure in neuroscience and pharmacology, contributed to the discovery of opiate receptors, which revolutionized the understanding of pain management and addiction. Developed the concept of neuropeptides as signaling molecules in the brain, exploring their roles in emotions and behavior. Conducted pivotal research on the interactions between the immune system and the brain, establishing links crucial for understanding health and disease.
Continue ReadingAlexander Galimov
Ice Hockey Player for Avangard Omsk
Born
1985 41 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2011 14 years ago — 26 years old
Played professional ice hockey primarily for Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Made a significant contribution to the team from 2005 until 2011. Participated in international competitions representing Russia. Tragically passed away in a plane crash in September 2011, which claimed the lives of many members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team.
Continue ReadingGiulio Zignoli
Italian footballer and coach
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2010 15 years ago — 64 years old
Played as a forward and had a prominent career in the Italian football leagues. Competed in Serie A for multiple teams, contributing to various matches throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Transitioned to coaching following the conclusion of the playing career, focusing on developing players and strategies in Italian football.
Continue ReadingJohn Qualen
Actor in classic Hollywood films
Born
December 8th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1987 38 years ago — 87 years old
Born in Canada and later becoming a U.S. citizen, an actor with a prolific career in film and television emerged in the early 20th century. Gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s with critical roles in several classic films. Played notable parts in 'Casablanca' and 'The Maltese Falcon', showcasing a talent for character roles that contributed to the development of supporting performances in cinema. His career spanned several decades, resulting in many memorable appearances across various genres.
Continue ReadingJean Bolland
Flemish priest and hagiographer
Born
August 18th, 1596 429 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1665 360 years ago — 69 years old
A priest in the Society of Jesus, contributed significantly to the study of saints' lives. Established a systematic chronological collection of hagiographies, known as the 'Acta Sanctorum', which served as a reference for future studies on saints. Focused on the critical examination of sources, promoting a scholarly approach to hagiography. Worked extensively in Belgium and had lasting influence in the field of religious literature.
Continue ReadingNorman Borlaug
Agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
Born
March 25th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2009 16 years ago — 95 years old
This agronomist significantly advanced agricultural science and food production. Work in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties contributed to the Green Revolution, leading to increased agricultural output in countries like Mexico, India, and Pakistan. Advocacy for sustainable farming practices and efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty were central to activities. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in recognition of contributions to alleviating hunger worldwide.
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