Jean-Baptiste Pigalle
French sculptor famous for 'Voltaire'
A prominent French sculptor and educator, notable contributions to the art world occurred during the 18th century. Renowned for a significant neoclassical style, approach included both monumental sculptures and smaller works in marble and plaster. Most recognized work, the statue of Voltaire, showcased the elegance of the period. Served as a member of the French Academy of Sculpture, contributing to artistic education and the progression of sculpture in France. Produced several other notable pieces, including 'The Statue of the King' and works for the royal courts. Teaching shaped the careers of many future artists, establishing a legacy in the education of sculpture in France.
Created the statue of Voltaire
Produced 'The Statue of the King'
Served as a member of the French Academy of Sculpture
Other People Born on January 26th
Charles XIV John of Sweden
King of Sweden and founder of a dynasty
Born
January 26th, 1763 263 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1844 182 years ago — 81 years old
Ruled as King of Sweden from 1818 until death in 1844. Emerged from a military background, having served in the Napoleonic Wars. Established the Bernadotte dynasty, which continues to the present day. Focused on modernizing Sweden, strengthening its economy, and promoting peace in Europe. Initiated significant infrastructure projects and underscored the importance of education and industry.
Continue ReadingCésar Gutiérrez
Venezuelan baseball player and manager
Born
January 26th, 1943 83 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2005 21 years ago — 61 years old
Played in Major League Baseball primarily as a shortstop and utility infielder. Served as a player-coach for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Transitioned into managing teams in various leagues, contributing to player development and team strategy. His career spanned several decades, impacting Venezuelan baseball culture through both his playing and coaching.
Continue ReadingEsteban Germán
Dominican baseball player and infielder
Born
January 26th, 1978 48 years ago
Played in Major League Baseball as an infielder. Debuted in 2004 with the Oakland Athletics and had stints with the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres. Known for versatility on the field, played multiple positions including second base and shortstop. Continued to play in professional baseball in the Dominican Republic after leaving MLB.
Continue ReadingTorrey Smith
American football wide receiver, Super Bowl champion
Born
January 26th, 1989 37 years ago
Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams including the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. Achieved significant success during a noteworthy career, highlighted by winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens. Known for speed and ability to stretch defenses, contributing to both offensive strategies and team dynamics throughout his career.
Continue ReadingJerry Sandusky
American football coach, author
Born
January 26th, 1944 82 years ago
A former assistant football coach at Penn State University, contributed to the team's success in the 1980s and early 1990s. Developed the Second Mile charity to benefit at-risk youth. Authored a book on coaching titled 'Touched', which discussed his experiences in sports and youth mentoring. Legal troubles arose in 2011 with allegations of sexual abuse; convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to prison.
Continue ReadingBryan Callen
Comedian and actor from 'Mad TV'
Born
January 26th, 1967 59 years ago
A comedian and actor participated in stand-up comedy and appeared on television. Notable work includes a role on 'Mad TV' and co-hosting the podcast 'The Fighter and The Kid'. In addition to comedy, engaged in acting with appearances in various films and series. Contributed to comedy specials and performances across the United States.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
Percy Williams Bridgman
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 144 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 65 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.
Continue ReadingJoe Dassin
Singer-songwriter of French chanson music
Born
November 5th, 1938 88 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1980 46 years ago — 41 years old
Born in 1938, this artist blended American and French musical influences. He gained popularity through hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. Major works include the international hit 'Les Champs-Élysées' and 'Alors Rêve.' His music reflects a variety of themes, resonating with audiences across different cultures. Dassin's career was marked by significant commercial success, with numerous albums released during his lifetime. He passed away in 1980, leaving a lasting legacy in the French music scene.
Continue ReadingPaul Ehrlich
Physician and biologist, Nobel laureate
Born
March 14th, 1854 172 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1915 111 years ago — 61 years old
Contributions to immunology and chemotherapy marked significant advancements in medicine. Developed the first effective treatment for syphilis, employing Salvarsan, a compound that showed efficacy against the disease. Conducted pioneering work in the field of serology, and established concepts of antibodies and antigens, which laid the foundation for modern immunology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, along with Emil von Behring, for work on immunity. His research influenced the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents.
Continue ReadingAnton Buslov
Astrophysicist and journalist
Born
November 4th, 1983 43 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 12 years ago — 30 years old
An astrophysicist and journalist associated with research in the field of astrophysics. Contributed to various studies and publications related to cosmic phenomena and space exploration. Engaged in science communication to enhance public understanding of astrophysical concepts. Worked with academic institutions and media outlets to disseminate knowledge on celestial events and discoveries.
Continue ReadingJames Whyte
Scottish-Australian politician, 6th Premier
Born
March 30th, 1820 206 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1882 144 years ago — 62 years old
A Scottish-Australian politician served as the 6th Premier of Tasmania from 1887 to 1889. During the premiership, significant focus was placed on governance reforms and public works in the region. Whyte's tenure was marked by engagement with various social and economic issues in Tasmania, aiming to promote development and address the needs of the constituents. Prior to becoming Premier, Whyte held various positions within the government, contributing to the legislative processes of the time. His work helped shape early Tasmanian policy and administration.
Continue ReadingEdward Herbert
English-Welsh soldier and diplomat
Born
March 3rd, 1583 443 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1648 378 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1583, served as a soldier and diplomat during the early 17th century. Engaged in military campaigns for the English crown. Achieved the title of 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury. Contributed to historical documentation through writings that reflected on the political and social conditions of the time. His works offered insights into the complexities of his era, including religious and philosophical discussions.
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