What Happened This Year 1653

People Who Died in 1653

Samuel Scheidt

German organist and composer of the Baroque
Born
November 3rd, 1587 437 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1653 371 years ago — 65 years old

Scheidt contributed significantly to the development of German organ music during the Baroque period. His works primarily involved compositions for keyboard instruments, including notable collections such as 'Tabulatura Nova.' Scheidt served as an organist in various churches and was influential in the musical education of future composers. His teaching and compositions helped shape the German organ tradition.

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Robert Filmer

Political theorist and author of Patriarcha
Born
1588 437 years ago
Died
May 26th, 1653 371 years ago — 65 years old

Active during the 17th century, a political theorist and author promoted the idea of divine right monarchy. Writings articulated the belief that monarchs derive authority from God and that their power is absolute. Major work, 'Patriarcha,' defended the institution of monarchy against emerging democratic ideas. Engaged in debates regarding governance and sovereignty, influencing political thought during a period of civil unrest in England.

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Gabriel Naudé

French librarian and scholar
Born
February 2nd, 1600 425 years ago
Died
July 10th, 1653 371 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent figure in the 17th century, contributed significantly to the field of library science and scholarship. Authored 'Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque', a work that provided guidelines on building and managing libraries. Served as the librarian to Cardinal Mazarin, where established notable collections and advanced library organization practices. Actively participated in the intellectual community of his time, influencing librarianship and research methodologies.

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Thomas Dudley

Soldier and politician, 3rd Governor of Massachusetts
Born
October 12th, 1576 448 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1653 371 years ago — 76 years old

Born in England, this individual migrated to the American colonies and became a prominent figure in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Serving as the third governor from 1634 to 1635, leadership demonstrated an influential role in the establishment and governance of the colony. Initially engaged in military service, the individual participated in defending against Native American conflicts and played a significant role in the development of colonial policy and society.

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Maarten Tromp

Dutch admiral and naval commander
Born
April 23rd, 1598 426 years ago
Died
August 10th, 1653 371 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent Dutch admiral in the 17th century, played a key role in the naval conflicts between the Dutch Republic and Spain during the Eighty Years' War. Commanded the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Delft in 1653, achieving a decisive victory against the English fleet. Demonstrated exceptional naval tactics and strategies which contributed to the supremacy of the Dutch navy during this period. Died in battle during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.

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Claudius Salmasius

French author and scholar of rhetoric
Born
April 15th, 1588 436 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1653 371 years ago — 65 years old

A classical scholar and rhetorician, contributed significantly to the field of philology. Wrote influential works on the history of rhetoric and criticism of contemporary thinkers. Engaged in public controversies, notably against the works of John Milton regarding the defense of monarchy. His critiques of Milton's 'Defensio pro Populo Anglicano' were pivotal during the English Civil War period, illustrating the intense intellectual debates of the time.

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Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn

Dutch linguist and scholarly researcher
Born
August 28th, 1612 412 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1653 371 years ago — 41 years old

Born in 1612, this Dutch linguist conducted significant studies in comparative linguistics. Contributions included work on the classification of languages and the development of theories regarding language origin. Authored several texts that influenced the field of philology. Engaged in the analysis of the relationship between different languages, particularly in European and Asian contexts. His studies laid the groundwork for future linguistic research and attracted attention from contemporaries in academia.

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Fausto Poli

Italian cardinal and papal diplomat
Born
1581 444 years ago
Died
October 7th, 1653 371 years ago — 72 years old

This individual served as a prominent Italian cardinal during the 17th century. Appointed to the clergy at an early age, he ascended through the ranks of the Catholic Church, holding significant positions of influence. There were notable roles in diplomatic missions on behalf of the Vatican, contributing to the Catholic Church's presence and policies in various regions. His ecclesiastical leadership extended to overseeing important religious matters and influencing church politics during his tenure. His work played a crucial part in the complexities of church diplomacy during a turbulent era in Europe.

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Artemisia Gentileschi

Italian Baroque painter and art figure
Born
July 8th, 1593 431 years ago
Died
1653 372 years ago — 60 years old

Born in Rome, a significant Baroque painter emerged in the early 17th century. Demonstrated exceptional skill in detailing and dramatic storytelling through art. Trained under her father and gained recognition for her strong portrayals of women from biblical and mythological stories. Became the first woman to join the Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence, highlighting the challenges faced by women artists during this period. Produced many works that reflected personal and societal themes, often drawing upon her own experiences.

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