Pieter de Hooch

Dutch painter of genre scenes

Pieter de Hooch - Dutch painter of genre scenes
Born

December 20th, 1629
395 years ago

Died

March 24th, 1684
341 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Netherlands

Links & References

A Dutch painter specialized in genre scenes, recognized for his mastery of light and perspective. Active during the Dutch Golden Age, highlighted domestic interiors and everyday life. Worked closely with other influential artists and was part of the Dutch art movement that emphasized realism and emotional depth. Many works feature tranquil home environments and women engaged in domestic tasks, conveying a sense of serenity and order. The artist's works reflect the social and cultural settings of 17th-century Holland, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of composition and atmosphere.

Painted 'The Bedroom' depicting a calm interior

Created 'Woman with a Water Pitcher' emphasizing domestic life

Produced 'The Courtyard of a House in Delft' showcasing light

Other People Born on December 20th

Jenny Agutter

English actress and 'Trainspotting' star
Born
December 20th, 1952 72 years ago

An English actress made a name in film and television from the 1970s onwards. Gained recognition for the role in the 1976 film 'Walkabout.' Achieved further prominence with roles in 'Logan's Run' and the British television series 'Call the Midwife.' Established a strong presence in both period dramas and contemporary works. Cultivated a reputation for emotive performances across various genres.

Continue Reading

Harry F. Byrd Jr.

American politician and newspaper publisher
Born
December 20th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 98 years old

Born in 1914, a prominent figure in Virginia politics, played a significant role in state and national governance. Served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1965 to 1983. Prior to this, held various positions in state government including as the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Established a successful career in publishing, notably as the owner of the Winchester Star, a local newspaper. Advocated for fiscal conservatism and was involved in various state initiatives during his long political tenure.

Continue Reading

Andrew Mackenzie

Geologist and businessman at BHP
Born
December 20th, 1956 68 years ago

Graduated with a degree in geology from the University of Edinburgh. Held various positions at different mining and resource companies. Served as CEO of BHP, a major global resources company, from 2013 to 2019. Focused on operational excellence and strategic investment during tenure, navigating BHP's growth and transformation in the mining sector.

Continue Reading

Sivakant Tiwari

Lawyer and author focusing on legal ethics
Born
December 20th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2010 15 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1945, a prominent lawyer and author, primarily engaged in the fields of legal practice and legal education. Practiced law in both India and Singapore, contributing to various legal frameworks. Authored several publications on legal ethics, corporate law, and human rights, advocating for reforms in legal education and practices in these regions. Served in significant roles within legal associations, promoting collaboration between legal professionals across jurisdictions.

Continue Reading

George Roy Hill

American director of 'Butch Cassidy'
Born
December 20th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2002 22 years ago — 81 years old

Acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to American cinema during the 20th century. Major works include classics such as 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting', both of which received critical and commercial success. 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor with action in a Western setting. 'The Sting' showcased an intricate plot with memorable performances and won seven Academy Awards. Hill's work often involved collaboration with notable actors, enhancing the storytelling through engaging character development and direction.

Continue Reading

Jean-Claude Trichet

Central banker and economist
Born
December 20th, 1942 82 years ago

Trichet served as the President of the European Central Bank from 2003 to 2011, guiding monetary policy during the eurozone crisis. He previously held the position of Governor of the Bank of France from 2003 to 2008. Under Trichet's leadership, the ECB implemented measures to address inflation and stabilize the euro. He played a significant role in advancing the economic and financial integration of the European Union.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 24th

Elizabeth I of England

Monarch and last Tudor ruler
Born
September 7th, 1533 492 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1603 422 years ago — 69 years old

Reigned from 1558 to 1603 as Queen of England and Ireland, establishing the Elizabethan era marked by flourishing arts and exploration. Oversaw the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, securing England's naval supremacy. Fostered the English Renaissance, promoting literature and drama, with figures such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe rising to prominence. Advocated for Protestantism, stabilizing the Church of England amidst religious conflicts. Strengthened trade and commerce, expanding the British Empire's reach.

Continue Reading

Odon de Pins

Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller
Died
March 24th, 1296 729 years ago — None years old

Served as the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller during a significant period in the late 13th century. Led the order through various military campaigns and established several commanderies in Europe. Oversaw the defense of Christian territories in the Holy Land and facilitated medical care during the Crusades. Contributed to the organizational structure of the order, enhancing its influence across the Mediterranean region.

Continue Reading

Carl Schuhmann

German gymnast and Olympic champion
Born
May 12th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1946 79 years ago — 76 years old

Competed in gymnastics and athletics, achieving notable success in both disciplines. Won a gold medal in gymnastics at the 1896 Athens Olympics, becoming the first Olympic champion in the sport. Also participated in the shot put and high jump events during his athletic career, representing Germany in various competitions.

Continue Reading

Johan Cruyff

Footballer and coach, three-time Ballon d'Or winner
Born
April 25th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
March 24th, 2016 9 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in football, gained recognition as a forward known for exceptional skill and intelligence on the pitch. Played for Ajax and FC Barcelona. Contributed significantly to Ajax's dominance in the 1970s, leading the team to three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, achieving notable success with Barcelona, including the club's first European Cup victory in 1992. Advocated for a style of play that emphasized possession and creativity, influencing future generations of footballers and coaches.

Continue Reading

Antoine-Henri Jomini

Military theorist and Napoleonic general
Born
March 6th, 1779 246 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1869 156 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1779 in Switzerland, a military officer and theorist contributed significantly to the development of military strategy during the Napoleonic Wars. He served in the French army and was a key figure in the writing of military doctrine. Jomini emphasized the principles of war, notably lines of operations and the role of decisive battles, and his works became foundational texts in military education. After the fall of Napoleon, Jomini held various military roles in the Russian Army and continued to publish influential writings on military strategy until his death in 1869.

Continue Reading

Richard Widmark

American actor in films and television
Born
December 26th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
March 24th, 2008 17 years ago — 93 years old

An American actor, achieved recognition for performances in a range of film genres. Gained prominence with a debut role in the film 'Kiss of Death' (1947), where a chilling portrayal of a murderer earned an Academy Award nomination. Subsequently starred in other notable films including 'Judgment at Nuremberg' (1961) and 'The Alamo' (1960). Played leading roles in westerns, dramas, and thrillers throughout a long career. Also contributed to television, appearing in series like 'The West Wing' and 'The Fourth Angel'. His career spanned over six decades until retirement in the early 2000s.

Continue Reading