Michelangelo
Italian sculptor and painter of David
A prominent figure in the Italian Renaissance, contributions include masterpieces in sculpture, painting, and architecture. Created the Statue of David and the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Worked on the design of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. His techniques and styles had a lasting influence on the Western art tradition.
Created the Statue of David between 1501 and 1504
Painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling from 1508 to 1512
Designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica
Other People Born on March 6th
Bob Wills
Western swing musician and bandleader
Born
March 6th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1975 50 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent figure in American music, this musician popularized the Western swing genre, blending traditional country music with jazz rhythms. Founded the band Texas Playboys, which gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s. The band’s innovative style helped define the sound of Western swing, influencing many artists in the country music scene. Recorded numerous hits, with classics such as "San Antonio Rose" and "New San Antonio Rose," establishing a lasting legacy in American music. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968, recognized for contributions to the genre and for nurturing future talents.
Continue ReadingOttmar Walter
German footballer and 1954 World Cup champion
Born
March 6th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
June 16th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old
Played as a forward, contributing to the success of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and the West Germany national team. Key player in the 1954 FIFA World Cup, which West Germany won, earning the title in a significant match against Hungary. His athletic career was marked by notable team performances and individual contributions in various domestic competitions.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Barrett Browning
Poet and translator of 'Sonnets from the Portuguese'
Born
March 6th, 1806 219 years ago
Died
June 29th, 1861 164 years ago — 55 years old
Born in England and later moving to Italy, this poet became one of the most prominent figures of the Victorian era. Notable works include 'Sonnets from the Portuguese', a collection dedicated to her husband, Robert Browning. Her career also included translations of other literary works, reflecting a strong command of languages and literature. The poet wrote extensively on themes such as love, social injustice, and the plight of children. Her writing style combined elements of romanticism and Victorian sensibility, earning significant recognition during her lifetime and beyond.
Continue ReadingRing Lardner
American journalist and author
Born
March 6th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
September 25th, 1933 92 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent journalist and author, contributions centered on sports and American life during the early 20th century. Wrote extensively for newspapers and magazines, exhibiting a distinctive wit and satirical style. Notable works include 'You Know Me Al', a series of humorous letters written by a baseball player, and 'The Young Immigrants', which explored the lives of immigrants in America. Recognized for skillful storytelling that captured the essence of American culture and its sporting events.
Continue ReadingAfonso Costa
Portuguese Prime Minister and lawyer
Born
March 6th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1937 89 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 59th Prime Minister of Portugal from 1917 to 1919. Focused on political reforms and modernization during his tenure. Represented the Portuguese Republic in various international discussions. Contributed to the establishment of several social and economic policies.
Continue ReadingLuigi Alamanni
Italian poet and diplomat
Born
March 6th, 1495 530 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1556 469 years ago — 61 years old
Born in Florence, this individual became a notable poet and an influential diplomat during the Renaissance. Associated with the literary and cultural movements of the time, he established a reputation through his poetry, which often contained themes of love and nature. In addition to poetry, held diplomatic roles that strengthened ties between various city-states. His works contributed to the Italian Renaissance literature and were appreciated during his lifetime and beyond.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 18th
Mavis Gallant
Canadian-French author and playwright
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
February 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
A prolific writer, contributed more than thirty short story collections and numerous plays over a career spanning several decades. Work frequently appeared in prestigious publications including The New Yorker. Explored themes of exile, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Received multiple accolades for literary achievements, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction and the Prix de l'Académie française.
Continue ReadingDale Earnhardt
NASCAR driver and seven-time champion
Born
April 29th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
February 18th, 2001 24 years ago — 49 years old
Achievements included winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship seven times, tying for the most in the sport's history. Earnhardt drove for Richard Childress Racing, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. Major victories included the Daytona 500 in 1998. His career spanned from 1975 until his death in 2001, greatly influencing the sport's popularity.
Continue ReadingCharles Lewis Tiffany
Businessman, founder of Tiffany & Co.
Born
February 15th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1902 123 years ago — 90 years old
Founded Tiffany & Co. in 1837, establishing a premier luxury jewelry and specialty retailer. Expanded the company’s product line to include silverware and home goods. Revolutionized the diamond industry by popularizing the use of the Tiffany Setting for engagement rings. Played a key role in promoting high-quality gems and is credited with the introduction of the Blue Box branding.
Continue ReadingYaropolk II
Grand Prince of Kiev during the 12th century
Born
1082 944 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1139 886 years ago — 57 years old
Ruled as Grand Prince of Kiev during the early 12th century. Governed a significant part of Kievan Rus'. Engaged in power struggles with neighboring principalities, which characterized the political landscape of the time. His reign was marked by attempts to consolidate power and maintain stability amid ongoing conflicts.
Continue ReadingNikolay Zinin
Russian organic chemist, Zinin reaction
Born
August 25th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1880 145 years ago — 67 years old
Contributed significantly to organic chemistry, particularly in the study of azo compounds. Developed the Zinin reaction, a technique for reducing nitro compounds to amines. Conducted research on various chemical reactions and methodologies that influenced future studies in the field. Served as a professor at Moscow University, where education and research in chemistry advanced under his guidance.
Continue ReadingElchanan Heilprin
Czechoslovakian-born English rabbi
Died
February 18th, 2015 10 years ago — None years old
Born in either 1920 or 1922 in Czechoslovakia, this individual became a prominent rabbi in England. After emigrating, significant contributions were made to the Jewish community and education. The individual served as a rabbi in various congregations and held leadership roles within Jewish organizations, focusing on education, communal work, and spiritual guidance. Engaged in interfaith dialogue, this rabbi promoted understanding among different religious groups and advocated for the needs of the Jewish population in the UK until passing away on February 18, 2015.
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