Melchiorre Cafà
Maltese Baroque sculptor, St. John's Co-Cathedral
Born in 1636, a Baroque sculptor specialized in marble. Worked primarily in Malta, contributing to various religious and civic projects. Completed significant works at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, showcasing intricate details and dramatic figures. His style reflected the grandeur of Baroque art, marked by emotional intensity and dynamic movement. Died in 1667, leaving a lasting legacy in Maltese art and architecture.
Created the monument to Grand Master de Valette at St. John's Co-Cathedral
Produced numerous religious sculptures throughout Malta
Other People Born on January 21st
Francisco Lázaro
Marathon runner; 1911 Lisbon-Marathon champion
Born
January 21st, 1891 135 years ago
Died
1912 114 years ago — 21 years old
Born in Portugal, a marathon runner achieved notable success in the early 20th century. Competed in the 1911 Lisbon Marathon, finishing first and setting a record for the event. Participated in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, representing Portugal. His performance laid the foundation for future Portuguese athletes in long-distance events. Lázaro faced challenges during his career but is remembered for his contributions to athletics in Portugal.
Continue ReadingGeorge Kerferd
Australian politician; 10th Premier of Victoria
Born
January 21st, 1831 195 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1889 136 years ago — 58 years old
Served as the 10th Premier of Victoria from 1870 to 1871. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Victorian Government and contributed to key legislative developments during his tenure. Actively involved in the growth of education and public works in the state, advocating for infrastructure improvements.
Continue ReadingGiuseppe Montanelli
Italian statesman and author
Born
January 21st, 1813 213 years ago
Died
1862 164 years ago — 49 years old
Born in 1813, a prominent Italian statesman and journalist emerged as a significant figure in the Italian unification movement. After receiving a law degree, involvement in journalism began, contributing to various publications and advocating for liberal reform. Montanelli played a pivotal role in the early political landscape of Italy, aligning with influential figures in the struggle for unification. His literary contributions included works that discussed politics and national identity, establishing him as both a writer and a statesman. Exile followed after political conflicts, yet he continued to influence public opinion through his writings. A strong advocate for progressive ideals, Montanelli's legacy is intertwined with the development of Italy as a unified nation.
Continue ReadingUmberto Nobile
Italian engineer and Arctic explorer
Born
January 21st, 1885 141 years ago
Died
1978 48 years ago — 93 years old
An engineer and Arctic explorer, contributions to aviation and polar expeditions marked this individual's career. Nobile designed and piloted the airship Italia during the 1928 Arctic expedition, which aimed to explore the North Pole region. The expedition faced adversity when the airship crashed, resulting in a challenging survival situation for the crew. This individual played a critical role in the rescue operations for the stranded crew members and later wrote about the experiences in the book "The Voyage of the Italia." Nobile also contributed to the development of the Italian Aeronautics and worked on advancements in aerial technology during his career.
Continue ReadingLincoln Alexander
Canadian politician, Labour Minister
Born
January 21st, 1922 104 years ago
Died
October 19th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent Canadian lawyer and politician served as the 23rd Canadian Minister of Labour. Represented the riding of Hamilton West in the House of Commons from 1968 to 1980. Played a significant role in labor relations and issues during tenure. Became the first Black Member of Parliament in Canada, paving the way for future generations in politics. After leaving Parliament, served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991, providing a ceremonial role and representing the Queen in Ontario.
Continue ReadingAdriaen van der Werff
Dutch painter renowned for his portraits
Born
January 21st, 1659 367 years ago
Died
1722 304 years ago — 63 years old
Born in 1659, a Dutch painter specialized in portraiture and history painting. Studied under prominent artists and became a noted member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Delft. His work displayed a keen attention to detail and rich color palettes. Van der Werff gained recognition for his refined style, which combined traditional techniques with emotional depth. He produced numerous portraits of nobility and affluent citizens, and his work was celebrated across Europe. The artist also served as a court painter in several instances, further solidifying his reputation. His legacy includes a significant body of work that exemplifies the Baroque style in Dutch painting.
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