Remy de Gourmont
French poet and critic of literature
A significant figure in French literature, this individual contributed extensively as a poet, novelist, and literary critic. With a strong interest in symbolism, wrote influential works that examined the aesthetics of literature and culture. Engaged in numerous essays and critiques, articulated perspectives on contemporary literature and art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also associated with the review 'Mercure de France', which played a pivotal role in promoting avant-garde literature. Explored themes of sensuality and the philosophy of art, leaving a lasting mark on French literary movements.
Authored 'The Physiology of Taste'
Contributed extensively to 'Mercure de France'
Other People Born on April 4th
Tris Speaker
Baseball player and manager with a .345 batting average
Born
April 4th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1958 67 years ago — 70 years old
Birth occurred on April 4, 1888. Played Major League Baseball primarily as a center fielder. Had a long career spanning from 1907 to 1928. Achieved significant success with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Accrued over 3,500 hits and led the league in batting average multiple times. Managed the Indians after his playing career and led them to a pennant in 1948.
Continue ReadingMaurice de Vlaminck
French painter and poet with fauvism
Born
April 4th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1958 67 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent figure in the Fauvist movement, the work focused on bold colors and expressive brushwork. Early artistic collaborations with fellow Fauvist André Derain led to significant contributions in the early 20th century art scene. In the 1905 Salon d'Automne, a pivotal exhibition showcased works that defied traditional representation, emphasizing color over form. This period saw a departure from more realistic styles, establishing a new visual language that would influence many future artists. Alongside painting, also produced poetry that reflected the same vibrant spirit found in the artwork. His career spanned several decades, and he engaged with various artistic mediums including landscape and portraiture, marked by a distinctive use of color and composition.
Continue ReadingGrumpy Cat
Internet meme celebrity cat
Born
April 4th, 2012 13 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2019 6 years ago — 7 years old
A domestic cat rose to fame through memes showcasing a perpetual frown, garnering significant attention on social media platforms. The cat's image became iconic, leading to merchandise ranging from books to figurines. Various appearances were made on television shows, and the cat starred in a Christmas movie titled 'Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever.' The popularity of the feline sparked discussions about internet culture and the phenomenon of cat memes.
Continue ReadingEdith Södergran
Swedish-Finnish poet
Born
April 4th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
June 24th, 1923 102 years ago — 31 years old
A prominent figure in the early 20th-century Finnish literature, this poet contributed significantly to the modernist movement. Creating poetry that often explored themes of nature, existentialism, and femininity, works included 'Främmande' and 'Det Går An.' The writing style broke from traditional forms, reflecting the influence of European avant-garde literature. The poet's collection, 'Gösta Berling,' received recognition and remains essential in the study of Finnish literature. The poet passed away in 1923, leaving a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingGrinling Gibbons
Sculptor and woodcarver of great renown
Born
April 4th, 1648 377 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1721 304 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent sculptor and woodcarver, Gibbons was active during the late 17th century in England. He became renowned for intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures, particularly in the Baroque style. His works grace many significant buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. Gibbons's craftsmanship in woodcarving is especially notable, with intricate designs that demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry. His legacy endures through both his artistic innovations and the influence he had on subsequent generations of artists.
Continue ReadingAgnes Ayres
American actress in silent films
Born
April 4th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1940 85 years ago — 42 years old
An American actress active during the silent film era, gained prominence for leading roles in various productions. Ayres starred in several classic films including 'The Sheik' (1921) alongside Rudolph Valentino, which became a significant hit. She also appeared in 'The Love Flower' (1920) and 'The Road to Yesterday' (1925). Ayres's performances contributed to the popularity of silent cinema during the 1920s. Despite a successful career, transitioning to sound films proved challenging, leading to a gradual decline in visibility in the late 1920s and 1930s. Eventually retired from acting, reflecting the era's shift in film production techniques.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 27th
Pietro Ingrao
Italian journalist and communist leader
Born
March 30th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2015 10 years ago — 100 years old
Born in 1915, a prominent figure in Italian politics and journalism, focused on leftist ideologies. Ingrao served as a member of the Italian Communist Party and later the Democratic Party of the Left. He was a key voice during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. His work as a journalist included contributions to publications like 'L'Unità'. Ingrao held various political positions, including serving in the Italian Chamber of Deputies. He retired from active politics in the late 1990s, continuing to write and contribute to political discourse.
Continue ReadingBraxton Bragg
American Civil War general.
Born
March 22nd, 1817 208 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1876 149 years ago — 59 years old
Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in key battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. Held the position of General and was in command of the Army of Tennessee. Contributed to military strategies and tactics throughout the war. After the war, Bragg held various military roles and served as a supervisor of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Continue ReadingDavid Hahn
Boy Scout who built a backyard reactor
Born
1976 50 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2016 9 years ago — 40 years old
An American teenager gained attention for attempting to construct a nuclear reactor in a backyard shed while still in high school. This project, using scraps and materials obtained from home and garden stores, drew significant media coverage due to its unconventional nature and the legal ramifications involved. The backyard reactor was constructed with minimal guidance on safety or regulation, raising concerns among local authorities. The endeavor highlighted issues relating to youth, science curiosity, and safety regulations regarding nuclear materials. Eventually, the project was dismantled by officials, marking an unusual chapter in the exploration of science by a young individual.
Continue ReadingAbdelmajid Lakhal
Tunisian actor and director
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2014 11 years ago — 75 years old
Contributed to Tunisian cinema as both an actor and director. Directed and starred in various films. Known for playing significant roles in movies that explored social themes and cultural narratives. Also worked in television, enhancing the landscape of Tunisian performing arts. Participated in numerous theatrical productions, showcasing talent in both acting and directing.
Continue ReadingKarl Christian Friedrich Krause
Philosopher, founder of Krausism
Born
May 6th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1832 193 years ago — 51 years old
A significant figure in German philosophy, focused on the synthesis of rationalism and idealism. Contributed extensively to metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and the moral and social implications of philosophy. His philosophical system promoted an understanding of the unity between the finite and the infinite, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective consciousness. Authored several influential works, including 'Das Grundriss der Philosophischen Wissenschaften' and 'Philosophie der Geschichte'. He also influenced various movements in Spain and Latin America through the dissemination of Krausism.
Continue ReadingBernard Courtois
Chemist who discovered iodine
Born
February 12th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1838 187 years ago — 61 years old
A chemist and academic made significant contributions to chemistry during the early 19th century. In 1811, discovered iodine while extracting substances from seaweed. This discovery was pivotal in the advancement of chemical education and practice. Also engaged in various academic pursuits, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their uses in industry and medicine.
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