Robert Hughes

Author and art critic, wrote 'The Shock of the New'

Robert Hughes - Author and art critic, wrote 'The Shock of the New'
Born

1938
87 years ago

Died

August 6th, 2012
12 years ago — 74 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

An Australian-American author and critic, contributed significantly to art criticism and cultural commentary. Served as the art critic for Time magazine for three decades. Published several influential books, including 'The Shock of the New,' which examined the evolution of modern art. His works often included sharp analyses of contemporary art and culture, blending personal narrative with insightful critique. Received several awards for contributions to art criticism and literature, establishing a prominent voice in the field.

Wrote 'The Shock of the New'

Served as Time magazine's art critic

Authored 'Culture and the Crisis of 1980'

Other People Who Died on August 6th

Harry Reasoner

American journalist and television anchor
Born
April 17th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1991 33 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent journalist, contributed significantly to American television news. Anchored CBS Evening News alongside Dan Rather and was a founding anchor of ABC's 20/20. Gained recognition for in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. Played an instrumental role in covering major events, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Worked at various major news outlets, leaving a substantial legacy in broadcast journalism.

Continue Reading

Jennie de la Montagnie Lozier

American physician and pioneer in women's health
Born
1841 184 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1915 109 years ago — 74 years old

A physician who focused on women's health issues and was a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in the medical field. Established a medical school for women, addressing the lack of educational opportunities and encouraging female participation in medicine. Contributed to the improvement of healthcare for women through both practice and education.

Continue Reading

Konstantin von Benckendorff

Russian general and diplomat
Born
1785 240 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1828 196 years ago — 43 years old

Served as a significant military figure and diplomat in the Russian Empire during the early 19th century. Held the rank of general and was appointed as commander of the gendarmerie, responsible for internal security. Played a key role in Russian foreign policy and the administration of state affairs during a volatile period in Europe. Engaged in various diplomatic missions that shaped relations with other nations. Contributed to military strategies and reforms that were pivotal during the Napoleonic Wars.

Continue Reading

Edsger W. Dijkstra

Computer Scientist; developed Dijkstra's algorithm
Born
May 11th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2002 22 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in computer science, contributed significantly to algorithms and programming methodologies. Developed Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest paths in graphs, which is essential in networking and routing. Advocated for structured programming through various writings. Worked at several academic institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and Eindhoven University of Technology. Received the Turing Award in 1972 for contributions to programming languages and algorithms.

Continue Reading

Domenico Modugno

Singer-songwriter and actor for 'Volare'
Born
January 9th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1994 30 years ago — 66 years old

An Italian singer-songwriter, actor, and politician gained international fame for the song 'Volare' in 1958, which won several awards including two Grammy Awards. His career began in the 1940s, and he initially worked as a stage actor. In addition to music, he served as a member of the Italian Parliament for a brief period. His contributions to music and entertainment made significant impacts in both Italy and abroad.

Continue Reading

Georg Wilhelm Richmann

Physicist and academic, lightning researcher
Born
July 22nd, 1711 313 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1753 271 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1711, a physicist and academic conducted significant research on electricity and atmospheric phenomena. Most notable was the investigation into lightning rods, which led to experimentation with lightning during thunderstorms. A member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, Richmann contributed to the advancement of electrometry and developed the first electrostatic generator in Russia. He faced challenges in his studies due to technological limitations, yet his work laid groundwork for later research in electricity and meteorology. Tragically, Richmann died in 1753 during an experiment when lightning struck him, marking a notable event in the history of scientific inquiry.

Continue Reading