John Singer Sargent
Portrait painter and muralist

Born
January 12th, 1856
169 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1925
99 years ago — 69 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1856, this American painter specialized in portraiture and became a prominent figure in the art world. Trained in Europe, he gained acclaim for his ability to capture the personality and essence of his subjects with a unique blend of realism and impressionistic techniques. Significant works include 'Madame X,' which caused a stir at its exhibition in 1884, leading to a scandal. His mural projects, including the famous Boston Public Library murals, showcased his skill in capturing grandeur and depth. The artist's career spanned several decades during which he produced numerous portraits of notable figures from society and politics, solidifying his status as a leading portraitist of his time.
Created the portrait 'Madame X'
Painted murals in the Boston Public Library
Other People Born on January 12th
Hyun-soo Kim
Born in 1988, this individual played professional baseball in South Korea before moving to Major League Baseball. Played for the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League from 2006 to 2015, earning multiple KBO All-Star selections. Transitioned to MLB, debuting with the Baltimore Orioles in 2016, and also played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Known for strong hitting and on-base skills.
Continue ReadingDean Whitehead
Professional footballer played as a midfielder. Started career at Sunderland, making his debut in the 2000-2001 season. Transferred to Wigan Athletic, contributing to the team's promotion to the Premier League. Signed with Stoke City, competed in the Premier League for several seasons, and participated in the team's journey to the FA Cup final in 2011. Finished career with play at Middlesbrough and later at Sheffield United, accumulating extensive experience in English football.
Continue ReadingPaul Hermann Müller
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of insecticides. Developed dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which became widely used during World War II for pest control and later in agriculture. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for this discovery. Worked in academia and industry throughout the career, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their effects on health and the environment.
Continue ReadingMikhail Gurevich
An engineer and businessman contributed to Soviet aviation through the co-founding of the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau. This organization became prominent for designing military aircraft, including the MiG-15, which gained fame during the Korean War for its performance against American fighters. Under leadership, the bureau developed a series of successful aircraft including jet fighters that played critical roles in various conflicts. The designs were recognized for their speed and maneuverability, establishing a legacy that influenced military aviation worldwide.
Continue ReadingRandy Jones
Played as a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball primarily for the San Diego Padres. Competed in the league from 1973 to 1986. Achieved a standout season in 1976, leading the National League in wins and earned run average. Garnered the Cy Young Award in that year for exceptional performance on the mound. Known for contributions to the Padres during their early years in the league. Retired after a career that included time with other MLB teams, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport of baseball.
Continue ReadingAntonio de Ulloa
Born in Spain in 1716, a military officer and politician served as the first Spanish governor of Louisiana from 1766 to 1768. Played a significant role in establishing Spanish control over the region following the transfer of Louisiana from France. Focused on governance and economic development, promoting agriculture and trade as vital to the colony's success. His tenure included efforts to improve relations with local Indigenous tribes. Departed from Louisiana after a brief governorship due to political challenges and returned to Spain, where continued military service ensued until later in life.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 14th
Irene Greenwood
A significant figure in Australian media, one of the first female radio broadcasters contributed to the Australian Broadcasting Commission. Advocated for women’s rights and peace during a period of social change. Involved in various feminist organizations and peace movements, influencing public discourse on gender equality and social justice. Actively worked to promote women's participation in broadcasting and other professions, paving the way for future generations of women in media.
Continue ReadingBolesław the Pious
A member of the Piast dynasty, this ruler governed Greater Poland during the 13th century. Ascending to the throne in 1239, he played a significant role in the political landscape of Poland. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize and strengthen the duchy amidst regional conflicts. He participated in the construction of churches, promoting Christianity in the region. His legacy includes the establishment of various institutions that contributed to the governance of the area.
Continue ReadingGianni Rodari
Worked as a teacher and journalist in Italy. Published children's literature that emphasized imagination and creativity. 'The Grammar of Fantasy' provided insights into storytelling techniques. 'The Adventures of Cipollino' presented social issues through the lens of a children's narrative. Authored numerous fables and stories that became classics in children's literature and were translated into multiple languages.
Continue ReadingSimone de Beauvoir
A prominent French philosopher and writer, contributed significantly to existentialism and feminist theory. The publication of 'The Second Sex' in 1949 brought attention to the construction of women's roles in society and challenged traditional views on gender. Engaged in intellectual debates and maintained a lifelong partnership with philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, influencing the post-war cultural landscape in France. Wrote novels, essays, and criticisms, engaging with social, political, and ethical questions.
Continue ReadingHenri Elzéar Taschereau
Taschereau served as the fourth Chief Justice of Canada from 1874 until 1894. His legal career began in 1845 after being called to the bar in Lower Canada. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1874, where his judgments addressed various important legal issues. His tenure established important precedents in Canadian law. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was appointed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, further influencing Canadian jurisprudence until his retirement.
Continue ReadingJonathan Frid
An actor associated with the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows, achieved notable recognition for the portrayal of the character Barnabas Collins. The series aired from 1966 to 1971 and gained a cult following. Frid's performance contributed to the show's success and has had a lasting influence on vampire fiction in popular culture. In addition to television, he had a career in theater, performing in various stage productions and continuing to participate in fan conventions even after the show’s conclusion.
Continue Reading