What Happened This Year 1659

Born in 1659

Adriaen van der Werff

Dutch painter renowned for his portraits
Born
January 21st, 1659 366 years ago
Died
1722 303 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1659, a Dutch painter specialized in portraiture and history painting. Studied under prominent artists and became a noted member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Delft. His work displayed a keen attention to detail and rich color palettes. Van der Werff gained recognition for his refined style, which combined traditional techniques with emotional depth. He produced numerous portraits of nobility and affluent citizens, and his work was celebrated across Europe. The artist also served as a court painter in several instances, further solidifying his reputation. His legacy includes a significant body of work that exemplifies the Baroque style in Dutch painting.

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David Gregory

Mathematician and astronomer, noted work.
Born
June 3rd, 1659 365 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1708 316 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1659, a Scottish-English mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and optics. Developed theories in calculus and advanced the understanding of telescopes. Served as the professor of mathematics at the University of Edinburgh and was involved in promoting scientific education and discourse. His contributions to astronomy included work on the method of infinite series and discussions concerning planetary motion. Also authored several influential texts that addressed mathematical concepts.

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Hyacinthe Rigaud

French painter known for portraits
Born
July 18th, 1659 365 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1743 281 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1659, this French painter specialized in portraiture, creating works that captured the essence and elegance of his subjects. Rigaud gained prominence in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with a style characterized by its meticulous detail and vibrant color. His most celebrated work is the portrait of King Louis XIV, which showcases the king in luxurious attire and conveys his authority. Rigaud's portraits were highly sought after by the French aristocracy and foreign dignitaries. His contributions to art were instrumental in the development of the portrait genre during this period.

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Charles Ancillon

French jurist and diplomat
Born
July 28th, 1659 365 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1715 309 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1659, a jurist and diplomat practiced law in France. Played a pivotal role in diplomatic affairs, particularly in negotiating treaties during the late 17th century. Contributed to legal scholarship through publications that analyzed contemporary law. Engaged in international diplomacy, fostering relations between France and various European powers.

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Sebastiano Ricci

Italian painter of the Baroque period
Born
August 1st, 1659 365 years ago
Died
1734 291 years ago — 75 years old

Active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this painter contributed significantly to the Baroque art movement. His style fused elements of Venetian painting with influences from both Caravaggio and the classical tradition. The artist painted numerous frescoes and canvases, utilizing vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Major works included the decoration of the Palazzo Labia in Venice and the ceiling frescoes at the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. Throughout the career, the painter also worked in various other European regions, including Austria and England, where his popularity spread.

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Henry Every

English pirate and infamous privateer
Born
August 20th, 1659 365 years ago
Died
1696 329 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1659, a notorious pirate led successful raids in the late 17th century. Commanded the ship 'Fancy,' conducting the significant capture of the Mughal treasure ship Ganj-i-Sawai in 1695. This act brought immense wealth and notoriety, prompting a naval frenzy to capture him.

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Henry Purcell

English organist and composer of opera
Born
September 10th, 1659 365 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1695 329 years ago — 36 years old

An English composer and organist, contributed significantly to the Baroque music era. Served as the organist of Westminster Abbey and composed various sacred music, operas, and instrumental works. Purcell is notable for his opera 'Dido and Aeneas', recognized as one of the earliest English operas. His works exhibit a deep emotional thrust and innovative use of harmony, influencing subsequent generations of composers.

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Georg Ernst Stahl

German chemist and physician, founder of phlogiston theory
Born
October 22nd, 1659 365 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1734 290 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent figure in early chemistry and medicine, contributions included the formulation of the phlogiston theory, which proposed that a fire-like element called phlogiston was contained within combustible bodies and released during combustion. This theory dominated chemical understanding until the late 18th century when it was replaced by the theory of oxidation. Stahl's work also encompassed the development of theories related to digestion and the role of vital forces in medicine. Additionally, served in academic positions, influencing the education of future chemists and physicians through lectures and publications.

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Hui-bin Jang

Royal consort of King Sukjong of Joseon
Born
November 3rd, 1659 365 years ago
Died
1701 324 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1659, played a significant role in the Joseon Dynasty as a royal consort to King Sukjong. She was highly influential in the court and her political maneuvers shaped the dynamics of the royal family during her time. Jang's impact extended beyond her marriage, as she was involved in various court intrigues and was pivotal in the succession of her son, later known as King Gyeongjong. Her tenure was marked by the complexities of palace life and the relationships among the various factions vying for power. Jang's legacy is remembered through historical texts that detail her life and the social structures of the Joseon period.

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