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
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 ReadingJennie de la Montagnie Lozier
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 ReadingKonstantin von Benckendorff
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 ReadingEdsger W. Dijkstra
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 ReadingDomenico Modugno
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 ReadingGeorg Wilhelm Richmann
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