Tom Wesselmann

American painter of pop art

Tom Wesselmann - American painter of pop art
Born

February 23rd, 1931
94 years ago

Died

December 17th, 2004
20 years ago — 73 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An influential American painter and sculptor, this artist was a prominent figure in the pop art movement, known for incorporating elements of commercial culture in artwork. The series Great American Nude features bold colors and simplified forms, directly addressing themes of consumerism and sexuality. Throughout a career spanning several decades, the artist explored the intersection of fine art and everyday life, often utilizing assemblage techniques. The artwork reflected modern American culture, tackling subjects from advertising to personal desire. This artist's work has been important in establishing a narrative around consumer culture in the 20th century.

Created the Great American Nude series

Incorporated commercial culture in artworks

Exhibited in major museums worldwide

Other People Born on February 23rd

Ron Hunt

Baseball player with All-Star selection
Born
February 23rd, 1941 84 years ago

Played Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1971. Primarily known for playing as a second baseman and shortstop. Played for teams including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves. Achieved recognition for leading the National League in hit by pitches in 1968 and 1969. Selected as an All-Star in 1964, representing the National League.

Continue Reading

Matthias Corvinus

Hungarian king with a strong rule
Born
February 23rd, 1443 582 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1490 535 years ago — 47 years old

Reigned as King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490. Led military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and strengthened the kingdom's defenses. Established a well-rounded court in Buda and promoted culture, including founding the library known as the Bibliotheca Corviniana, one of the largest Renaissance libraries in Europe. Implemented reforms to improve governance and taxation, enhancing royal authority.

Continue Reading

José Joaquín de Herrera

Mexican politician and general
Born
February 23rd, 1792 233 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1854 171 years ago — 61 years old

Served as President of Mexico from 1844 to 1845 and briefly in 1854. Held significant military roles during the Mexican-American War. Participated in multiple battles and negotiations, influencing key political dynamics of the era. Played a role in drafting important legislation aimed at stabilizing the country.

Continue Reading

Johan Jakob Nervander

Finnish poet and physicist
Born
February 23rd, 1805 220 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1848 177 years ago — 43 years old

Born in Finland, a notable figure in the early 19th century contributed to both literature and science. Wrote poetry that reflected the cultural context of the period and engaged with themes prevalent in Finnish society. Also studied physics and meteorology, contributing to the understanding of weather patterns in Finland. Worked at the University of Helsinki, where academic pursuits complemented literary interests, effectively merging both fields in significant ways.

Continue Reading

Charles Tillman

American football cornerback, Super Bowl champion
Born
February 23rd, 1981 44 years ago

Played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) predominantly for the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft, earned recognition for consistent defensive performances. Contributed to the Bears' victory in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts. Renowned for creating turnovers with a unique technique known as the 'Peanut Punch.' Played for the Carolina Panthers in the latter part of the career, retiring after the 2015 season.

Continue Reading

Jeff Nordgaard

Basketball player and coach
Born
February 23rd, 1973 52 years ago

A basketball player with a professional career spanning multiple teams in the NBA and overseas. Played for the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls. Transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional play. Contributed to the development of young talent in the sport through various coaching roles.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 17th

Hal Brown

Baseball player and manager
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2015 9 years ago — 91 years old

A professional baseball player and manager, he played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). His playing career spanned from 1956 to 1964, representing teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and management roles, contributing to the development of players and teams in the minor leagues. His extensive experience in both playing and managing baseball teams characterized his professional journey.

Continue Reading

Harold Holt

Australian Prime Minister during 1966-67
Born
August 5th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1967 57 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the 17th Prime Minister of Australia from 1966 until disappearance in 1967. Before becoming Prime Minister, held various ministerial positions including Minister for Labour and National Service and Minister for Immigration. Expanded the country's involvement in the Vietnam War and introduced significant reforms in education and immigration policy. Holt's tenure is notably marked by his push for a new Liberal Party agenda and closer ties with the United States during the Cold War.

Continue Reading

Dana Andrews

American film and television actor
Born
January 1st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1992 32 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1909, Dana Andrews became a prominent film and television actor. Rising to fame in the 1940s, major roles included performances in films such as 'Laura', 'The Best Years of Our Lives', and 'Fallen Angel'. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appeared in various television series and continued to act in films. His contributions to the cinematic landscape of mid-20th century America were significant, spanning over four decades until retirement in the late 1970s.

Continue Reading

Larry Sherry

Baseball player and coach, World Series champion
Born
July 25th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2006 18 years ago — 71 years old

A professional baseball player and coach, played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Made significant contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1959 to 1962. Played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 1963 World Series victory, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player award. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, applying experience and knowledge of the game to help develop players.

Continue Reading

Freddy Breck

German singer and news anchor
Born
January 21st, 1942 83 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2008 16 years ago — 66 years old

Breck was a German singer, producer, and news anchor, primarily active in the 1970s and 1980s. Achieving notable success in the pop music scene, he released multiple albums featuring a blend of pop and schlager music. His most recognized hit was 'Oh, Marie', which contributed to his popularity in German-speaking countries. In addition to music, he worked as a news anchor, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Linda Wong

Adult film actress and producer
Born
1951 74 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1987 37 years ago — 36 years old

Became a prominent adult film actress in the 1980s, playing significant roles in numerous adult films. Transitioned into production, influencing the adult film industry with innovative ideas. Her work contributed to the changing landscape of adult entertainment during that era.

Continue Reading