What Happened This Year 1561

Born in 1561

John Harington

English courtier and author of poems
Born
1561 464 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1612 412 years ago — 51 years old

A courtier and author writing during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Harington served at the court of Queen Elizabeth I and was known for his satirical poetry and translations. He created the first flushing toilet in England, which he referred to as the 'Ajax' and published a notable work titled 'A New Discourse of a Stale Subject'. His literary contributions included poems and works that featured a blend of humor and social commentary.

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Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger

Flemish painter, renowned for portraits
Born
1561 464 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1636 389 years ago — 75 years old

This Flemish painter specialized in portraiture and contributed significantly to the art of the late Renaissance. Active mainly in England, his work had a distinct style characterized by detailed realism and vibrant color palettes. Received royal patronage from Queen Elizabeth I and gained recognition for his ability to capture likeness and personality in his subjects. Major works include portraits of notable figures such as Sir Francis Drake and various members of the English court. The artist's influence persisted beyond his lifetime, marking a notable presence in the history of British art.

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