What Happened This Year 1620

Born in 1620

Miklós Zrínyi

Croatian military commander and poet
Born
January 5th, 1620 405 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1664 360 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1620, a prominent military commander in the Habsburg Empire and a member of the Zrínyi family. Fought against the Ottoman Empire during the Long Turkish War. Led significant military campaigns, contributing to the defense of the empire's territories. Also achieved recognition as a poet, with works that expressed themes of heroism and patriotism. Died in 1664 during a military engagement against the Ottomans.

Continue Reading

Frederick William

Elector of Brandenburg and Prussia
Born
February 16th, 1620 405 years ago
Died
1688 337 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1620, served as Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia from 1640 until death in 1688. Led Brandenburg-Prussia through the Thirty Years' War. Expanded territories and strengthened central authority. Implemented reforms in administration and military. Promoted trade and modernization, laying groundwork for future expansion of the state.

Continue Reading

Marguerite Bourgeoys

French-Canadian nun and founder of schools
Born
April 17th, 1620 404 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1700 325 years ago — 79 years old

A French-Canadian nun established the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in the 17th century. This religious community focused on the education of young girls and played a critical role in the development of educational institutions in New France. Additionally, she was involved in missionary work and the spiritual life of the early settlers. Canonized as a saint in 1982, her contributions to education and religious life are commemorated in various institutions in Canada.

Continue Reading

Nikolaes Heinsius the Elder

Dutch poet and scholar of literature
Born
July 20th, 1620 404 years ago
Died
1681 344 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1620, this individual contributed significantly to Dutch literature as a poet and scholar. Prominent in the literary scene, Heinsius engaged with classical works, translating and interpreting them for contemporary audiences. Extensive writings included poetry and critical essays, which influenced the poetic landscape of the time. He served as a member of the Amsterdam literary society, fostering connections among writers and intellectuals. His scholarly pursuits also included philological studies, enhancing the appreciation and understanding of classical texts in the Dutch language.

Continue Reading

Jean Picard

French astronomer and geodesist
Born
July 21st, 1620 404 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1682 342 years ago — 61 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy and geodesy in the 17th century. Developed techniques to measure the size of the Earth and improvements in astronomical instruments. Participated in the measurement of a degree of latitude in 1669, which advanced the understanding of Earth’s circumference. Worked on refining telescopes and measuring celestial bodies.

Continue Reading

Isabella Leonarda

Italian composer and educator of the Baroque
Born
September 6th, 1620 404 years ago
Died
1704 321 years ago — 84 years old

A significant figure in the early Baroque music era, this individual composed sacred vocal music primarily for the convent of Santa Teresa in Novara, Italy. Contributions included various collections of motets, masses, and other liturgical works designed for performance within the convent setting. The compositions displayed a distinctive style that emphasized the vocal capabilities and sacred themes. Alongside composition, education played a crucial role, as this individual served as a teacher, shaping the musical knowledge of many aspiring musicians. A few of the published works include 'Sonate da chiesa' and 'Motetti o Canzoni'.

Continue Reading

Nicolaes Pieterszoon Berchem

Dutch painter of pastoral scenes
Born
October 1st, 1620 404 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1683 342 years ago — 62 years old

A significant figure in Dutch painting, contributed to the genre of pastoral landscapes. Influenced by Italian artists, established a style characterized by idyllic rural scenes involving peasants, animals, and classical ruins. Active during the Dutch Golden Age, worked alongside notable figures such as Claude Lorrain. His artworks captured the essence of pastoral life with a harmonious blend of nature and human activity, demonstrating a keen interest in landscapes.

Continue Reading

Pierre Paul Puget

French painter and sculptor of Baroque art
Born
October 16th, 1620 404 years ago
Died
1694 331 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1620, a French painter and sculptor became a prominent figure in the Baroque art movement. His works include notable sculptures and paintings that reflect the dramatic style of the period. Primarily based in Marseille, he developed a unique blend of classical themes with a dynamic use of movement and expression in his art. His contributions to sculpture include figures and allegorical representations that showcased an intricate understanding of human anatomy and emotion. His works are featured in various prestigious collections, influencing subsequent generations of artists.

Continue Reading

John Evelyn

English gardener and author of 'Sylva'
Born
October 31st, 1620 404 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1706 319 years ago — 85 years old

Nurtured an interest in gardening and environmental matters, contributing significantly to the development of horticulture and ecology. Wrote 'Sylva', a seminal work discussing trees and their cultivation, which influenced forestry practices in England. Participated in the Royal Society, promoting scientific inquiry and experimentation. Engaged in various civic duties throughout life, and held roles such as the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.

Continue Reading