What Happened This Year 1777

Born in 1777

Christian Daniel Rauch

German sculptor and educator, notable works
Born
January 2nd, 1777 248 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1777, a prominent German sculptor and educator significantly contributed to Neoclassical sculpture. Studied under Johann Gottfried Schadow, and later became a notable figure in the Berlin art scene. Created important works including the statue of Frederick the Great located in Hamburg and the equestrian statue of Prince Karl von Schwarzenberg in Prague. Established a respected teaching career at the Academy of Art in Berlin, influencing a generation of artists. Directly linked to several artistic movements in Germany during the 19th century, his style blended classical forms with emotional depth.

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Vincenzo Borg

Maltese merchant and rebel leader
Born
January 11th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1837 187 years ago — 60 years old

A merchant during the late 18th and early 19th centuries who became a significant figure in the Maltese rebellion against foreign rule. Active in the movement for independence, played a central role in galvanizing local merchants and citizens against oppressive regimes. His efforts contributed to the larger struggle for Maltese autonomy, highlighting the frustrations of the local population. Received recognition for leadership in reforming local governance and advocating for the rights of merchants amidst political turmoil.

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John Cheyne

English physician and prolific author
Born
February 3rd, 1777 248 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1836 189 years ago — 58 years old

An English physician and author contributed to medical literature in the early 19th century. Cheyne served as a physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and significantly advanced the understanding of various medical conditions through writings. His seminal work, 'The Elements of Medicine', discussed the principles of medical practice and disease management, influencing future generations of physicians. Cheyne's observations extended to topics such as pulmonary diseases, which were limited in understanding during his time. His publications reflected a commitment to improving medical knowledge and practices in England.

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Bernard Courtois

Chemist who discovered iodine
Born
February 12th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1838 186 years ago — 61 years old

A chemist and academic made significant contributions to chemistry during the early 19th century. In 1811, discovered iodine while extracting substances from seaweed. This discovery was pivotal in the advancement of chemical education and practice. Also engaged in various academic pursuits, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their uses in industry and medicine.

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Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué

German author and poet of fantasy literature
Born
February 12th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
1843 182 years ago — 66 years old

An influential writer during the Romantic era, contributed significantly to German literature. Best recognized for the poetic novella "Undine," which tells the tale of a water nymph who desires a human soul. This work combined elements of folklore and fantasy, influencing various later adaptations in literature and arts. Also engaged in writing historical novels, some of which focused on medieval German themes. His writings reflect themes of love, nature, and the supernatural, characteristic of the Romantic movement.

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Matija Nenadović

Serbian priest and 1st Prime Minister
Born
February 26th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
1854 171 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1777, this individual served as a priest, historian, and politician. As the first Prime Minister of Serbia, he played a significant role in the establishment of modern Serbian governance. His leadership was influential during the formative years of Serbia's modern statehood, particularly during the early 19th century. He contributed to the development of political structures and the promotion of historical scholarship in Serbia.

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Louis Hersent

French Painter with significant works
Born
March 10th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
1860 165 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1777, this French painter became prominent in the early 19th century. Focused primarily on history and portrait painting, he gained recognition for combining neoclassical and romantic styles. Much of his work reflects the artistic movements of his time, showcasing characters from literature and historical events. His contributions to French art included portraying figures such as writers and national leaders. The painter exhibited works at the Salon and became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in France, further solidifying his legacy in the art community.

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Roger B. Taney

5th Chief Justice of the United States
Born
March 17th, 1777 247 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 5th Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 to 1864. Authored the controversial Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857, which ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories. This decision heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War. Taney's tenure was marked by significant legal interpretations that influenced American law and governance.

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Patrick Brontë

Irish-English priest and author of poetry
Born
March 17th, 1777 247 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1861 163 years ago — 84 years old

A priest with a strong interest in literature, contributed significantly to the literary world through poetry and works that reflected on society and family. Authored several volumes of poetry, including 'The Cottage in the Wood' and 'On the Death of a Young Lady', demonstrating a thoughtful approach toward themes of nature and mortality. Additionally, served as a vicar in Haworth, England, where a familial literary legacy was cultivated through the notable works of his children, including Charlotte and Emily Brontë.

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