What Happened This Year 1857

People Who Died in 1857

Karol Kurpiński

Polish composer and conductor
Born
March 6th, 1785 240 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1857 167 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1785 in Poland, a composer and conductor contributed significantly to Polish music in the 19th century. Active in the operatic genre, works included notable operas that gained popularity in Warsaw. Served as a conductor for various theatrical productions and established a reputation for promoting Polish musical traditions. Involved in the education of young musicians, influencing the next generation of composers and performers through mentorship.

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George Washington Parke Custis

American author and playwright
Born
1781 244 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1857 167 years ago — 76 years old

An author and playwright with significant contributions to American literature during the 19th century. Played a major role in the promotion of the works of William Shakespeare in the United States. Established an estate in Arlington, Virginia known as Arlington House, which served as a memorial to George Washington. Actively engaged in building an appreciation of American history through storytelling and drama.

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Louis-Eugène Cavaignac

French general and 1848 head of state
Born
October 15th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1857 167 years ago — 55 years old

Cavaignac served as a French general and politician during the 19th century. In 1848, he became the head of state of France following the February Revolution. His leadership was marked by his efforts to suppress the June Days uprising, a worker rebellion in Paris. Cavaignac implemented martial law and used military force to restore order, securing a brief period of stability in the government. Although he gained acclaim for his decisive action during this upheaval, he eventually lost the presidential election to Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte later that year, marking the decline of his political career.

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Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff

German author and poet
Born
March 10th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1857 167 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent novelist and poet of the Romantic movement in Germany, notable for evocative lyrical poetry and narrative prose. Authored the novel 'Auferstehung', which explored themes of nature, love, and the search for identity. Contributed significantly to German literature through rich symbolism and a deep attachment to the German landscape.

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Francis Beaufort

Irish hydrographer and Royal Navy officer
Born
May 27th, 1774 250 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1857 167 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to maritime navigation and meteorology. Developed the Beaufort Scale, which classifies wind strength based on observed sea conditions. Served in the Royal Navy and undertook various surveys, enhancing understanding of oceanography. His work laid the foundation for modern meteorological practices and navigational standards.

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Adolf Schlagintweit

German botanist and explorer
Born
January 9th, 1829 196 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 28 years old

Highlighted as a key figure in 19th-century exploration, focused extensively on the flora of the Himalayas and surrounding regions. Conducted significant botanical studies in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Led an expedition alongside his brothers, contributing to the understanding of the region's biodiversity. Collaborated with other explorers and scientists to compile data and specimens that enriched European botanical knowledge.

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Johan Christian Dahl

Norwegian-German Romantic painter
Born
February 24th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1788, a pivotal figure in the German Romantic movement, became prominent for landscape painting. Studied in Dresden and was heavily influenced by nature and the German romantic style. Developed a distinct approach to capturing atmospheric light and natural beauty, focusing on regions in Norway and Germany. Contributed to the establishment of the German Romantic landscape tradition and influenced subsequent artists with unique interpretations of Norwegian vistas. Participated in exhibitions and received recognition for works celebrating Scandinavia's landscapes.

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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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Martin Lichtenstein

Physician and explorer in Africa
Born
January 10th, 1780 245 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Germany in 1780, contributed to the field of medicine and exploration. Conducted explorations in southern Africa, documenting flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. Joined various expeditions, focusing on the regions around the Cape of Good Hope, and contributed significantly to the understanding of the area's geography and natural history. Established a reputation as a detailed observer and dutiful scientist.

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