Joris-Karl Huysmans
French author, wrote Against Nature
A prominent 19th-century French author and critic, contributed significantly to the Symbolist and Decadent movements. Published the novel 'À rebours' (Against Nature) in 1884, which became a defining work of the Decadent literary movement. Explored themes of aesthetics, morality, and spirituality through a detailed and often controversial narrative style. Worked as a literary critic for various publications and engaged deeply with contemporary art and literature, influencing multiple generations of writers and artists.
Wrote the novel 'À rebours'
Influenced the Symbolist movement
Other People Born on February 5th
Robert Peel
British Prime Minister and politician.
Born
February 5th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1850 175 years ago — 62 years old
Served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during two non-consecutive terms. Established the Metropolitan Police Service in 1829, introducing modern policing principles. Played a significant role in the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. Represented Tamworth in Parliament and was a member of the Conservative Party, contributing to its formation as a key political entity.
Continue ReadingVedran Ćorluka
Croatian footballer and national team defender
Born
February 5th, 1986 39 years ago
Played as a central defender and right back during a career spanning over a decade. Started professional career at Dinamo Zagreb, contributing to the team's successes in the Croatian First League. Continued playing in prominent European leagues, including the English Premier League with Manchester City and the La Liga with Real Madrid. Achieved recognition as a key player for the Croatian national team, representing the country in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups. Known for tactical awareness and strong defensive skills.
Continue ReadingDirk Stikker
Dutch politician and NATO Secretary General
Born
February 5th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 82 years old
A Dutch businessman turned politician, served as the 3rd Secretary General of NATO from 1961 to 1964. Held various roles in the Dutch government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and helped shape international policy during the Cold War. Stikker focused on building stronger ties among NATO member states and enhancing collective defense capabilities. His leadership emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing global security challenges.
Continue ReadingNolan Bushnell
Video game pioneer and Atari founder
Born
February 5th, 1943 82 years ago
An engineer and businessman, founded Atari, Inc. in 1972, which played a crucial role in establishing the video game industry. Launched the iconic arcade game Pong, which became a commercial success and popularized video gaming in public spaces. Expanded the gaming landscape with innovative concepts that included home gaming systems. Contributed to the tech world not just through gaming but also by supporting various startups in technology and media throughout the career.
Continue ReadingBrad Fitzpatrick
Programmer, creator of LiveJournal
Born
February 5th, 1980 45 years ago
A programmer developed LiveJournal, a pioneering platform for social networking and online journaling, facilitating user-generated content and personal expression. The platform gained popularity in the early 2000s, allowing users to share thoughts and connect with others through blogs. Fitzpatrick contributed significantly to the open-source community and was involved in projects like the Metaweb Foundation and the development of the OpenID protocol.
Continue ReadingJordan Rhodes
Scottish footballer and striker
Born
February 5th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional footballer from Scotland, played as a striker primarily for clubs in England. Developed a prolific scoring record during formative years at Huddersfield Town, where he was recognized as one of the top scorers in League One. Subsequent achievements included stints at Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough. Represented the national team, earning multiple caps and contributing to international competitions. The career trajectory included moves that reflected consistent performance and notable goal totals across various seasons.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 12th
Valdemar I
King of Denmark, the Conqueror
Born
1131 894 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1182 843 years ago — 51 years old
Ruled Denmark from 1154 until death in 1182. Strengthened the Danish monarchy and expanded territory through military campaigns. Contributed to the consolidation of power in the region and encouraged trade. Under leadership, Denmark became an influential power in Northern Europe. Additionally, addressed internal conflicts within the realm, fostering political stability.
Continue ReadingH. R. Giger
Swiss surrealist painter and designer
Born
February 5th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 74 years old
A Swiss painter, sculptor, and set designer, influential in the world of contemporary art and film. His work blended surrealism with biomechanical elements, culminating in the design of the iconic creature and landscapes in the film 'Alien.' Giger's unique aesthetic shaped not only cinema but also album covers and various forms of art installations. He won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1980 for his contributions to 'Alien,' establishing a legacy as an innovator in visual design in the film industry.
Continue ReadingArt Pollard
Race car driver and Indy 500 competitor
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1973 52 years ago — 46 years old
Pollard was an American race car driver who participated in various American open-wheel racing events during the 1960s and early 1970s. Most notable was participation in the Indianapolis 500, where he competed several times between 1965 and 1973. His racing career included not only open-wheel racing but also endurance events, showcasing versatility in motorsport. Tragically, Pollard's life was cut short in a crash during a practice session for the 1973 Indy 500.
Continue ReadingFergus of Galloway
Scottish nobleman and lord
Died
May 12th, 1161 864 years ago — None years old
A Scottish nobleman, held the title of Lord of Galloway. Played a significant role in the political landscape of Scotland during the 12th century. Engaged in numerous conflicts for control and influence over western Scotland. Worked to consolidate power among the local lordships and negotiate relationships with the Scottish crown. Involved in the construction of several castles in Galloway, which served as major administrative centers in the region. Died in 1161, leaving a legacy of noble leadership.
Continue ReadingErik Erikson
Psychologist known for psychosocial theory
Born
June 15th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1994 31 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed to the field of psychology and psychoanalysis with a focus on human development. Developed the psychosocial stages of development theory, which outlines eight key conflicts that shape personality across the lifespan. Worked with Anna Freud and contributed to ego psychology. Authored influential books including 'Childhood and Society' and 'Identity: Youth and Crisis', which explored identity development and the impact of society on personal growth. Taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, influencing a generation of psychologists.
Continue ReadingJean Dubuffet
French painter, sculptor, and art theorist
Born
July 31st, 1901 124 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1985 40 years ago — 83 years old
A French painter and sculptor, contributed significantly to the development of the Art Brut movement, emphasizing art created outside the boundaries of the traditional art world. Developed his own unique style characterized by bold colors, raw materials, and non-traditional techniques. Founded the Compagnie de l'Art Brut in 1948 to promote artworks by self-taught artists. His work often reflected themes of the subconscious and irrationality, challenging established norms in art. Dubuffet's art became increasingly recognized and influential in the mid-20th century, culminating in retrospectives and exhibitions in major galleries.
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