What Happened This Year 1697

People Who Died in 1697

Filippo Baldinucci

Florentine historian and author of biographies
Born
1625 400 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1697 328 years ago — 72 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of art history and biography during the 17th century. Authored 'Notizie dei pittori, scultori, ed architetti' which provided detailed accounts of artists and their work in Florence and beyond. Served as an important source for understanding the development of the arts during the Renaissance. Engaged with contemporary artists, offering insights into their lives and contributions to the field.

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Georg Mohr

Danish mathematician and theorist
Born
April 1st, 1640 384 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1697 328 years ago — 56 years old

Contributed significantly to geometry and theoretical mathematics. Published 'Euclides Danicus' in 1670, which discussed geometric constructions and number theory. Addressed various mathematical problems, including those related to the construction of regular polygons. Engaged in the development of mathematical principles and techniques in Denmark during the 17th century.

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Sir John Fenwick

English general and politician
Born
1645 380 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1697 328 years ago — 52 years old

A 3rd Baronet and English general, served in the military during the late 17th century. Held the position of Member of Parliament for Northumberland and was involved in significant political affairs of the time. Participated in various military campaigns, demonstrating leadership in battles. Later faced trial for treason related to the Jacobite rising, which ultimately led to execution.

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Francesco Redi

Italian physician and biologist
Born
February 18th, 1626 399 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1697 328 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in experimental biology, contributed significantly to the study of spontaneous generation. Conducted experiments demonstrating that maggots on decaying meat came from eggs laid by flies, not generated spontaneously. Published 'Esperienze Intorno alla Generazione degl'Insetti' in 1668, which laid the groundwork for the field of microbiology. Served as a physician to the Grand Duke of Tuscany and was involved in the study of parasitology, notably investigating the life cycles of various parasites.

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Nicolaus Bruhns

German organist and composer of chorales
Born
1665 360 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1697 327 years ago — 32 years old

Acted as an influential organist and composer during the Baroque period. Served as an organist at the Hauptkirche St. Jacobi in Hamburg. Composed numerous chorales and instrumental works, showcasing proficiency in the organ. His music demonstrated a blend of German and Dutch influences and contributed to the development of organ compositions in the late 17th century.

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Simon Bradstreet

English Colonial Magistrate
Born
March 18th, 1603 421 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1697 327 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1603, this individual served as a colonial magistrate in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Originally from England, significant roles included being a governor of the colony and playing a key part in early colonial governance. He arrived in Massachusetts in 1630 as part of the Puritan migration. His tenure included various public offices, where he focused on maintaining order and governance during the formative years of the colony. In addition to political duties, he was involved in addressing issues such as land disputes and relations with Indigenous peoples.

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Charles XI

Swedish King during 17th century wars
Born
1655 370 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1697 327 years ago — 42 years old

Ruled Sweden from 1660 until death in 1697. His reign marked significant administrative reform and centralization of power. Implemented financial policies that stabilized the kingdom's economy. Strengthened the military and established a standing army. Involved in the Great Northern War, though most conflicts were concluded by the time of his death. Lauded for enhancing Sweden's influence in Northern Europe.

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Niels Juel

Norwegian-Danish admiral and naval leader
Born
May 8th, 1629 395 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1697 327 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Norway, served in the Danish navy, and rose to the rank of admiral. Played a crucial role in several naval battles during the Second Northern War and the Scanian War. Juel's leadership contributed to significant Danish victories, most notably at the Battle of Køge Bay in 1677. Commanded fleet operations that strengthened Denmark's naval power in the Baltic Sea. His strategies and tactics established him as a prominent figure in 17th-century naval warfare.

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Eleonore of Austria

Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess
Born
May 21st, 1653 371 years ago
Died
1697 328 years ago — 44 years old

Born into the Habsburg dynasty, she became Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania through marriage to King John III Sobieski. Her reign included important political alliances and support for the monarchy. Eleonore's influence extended to cultural and religious matters, reflecting the Habsburg legacy in the region. She played a significant role in the Catholic Church's presence in Poland and in the arts, fostering initiatives that enhanced the cultural landscape. Her life reflected the intricacies of European politics in the late 17th century, particularly the interplay between the Habsburgs and Polish politics.

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