What Happened This Year 1881

People Who Died in 1881

Antoine Samuel Adam-Salomon

French sculptor and photographer
Born
January 9th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1881 143 years ago — 63 years old

Active in the 19th century, this individual became a significant figure in sculpture and photography. Initially noted for creating busts of notable personalities, the individual also developed a technique in photography that emphasized the artistic aspects of portraiture. By combining sculpture and photography, the work achieved a unique status in the art world of the time.

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Mary Seacole

Nurse and author during the Crimean War
Born
1805 220 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1881 143 years ago — 76 years old

A Jamaican-English nurse and author who provided medical care during the Crimean War. Established a lodging house for wounded soldiers and treated them on the battlefield. She published an autobiography detailing her experiences and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the medical field at the time. Seacole's contributions as a caregiver and her entrepreneurial spirit stood out, gaining respect from both soldiers and fellow medical professionals.

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Samuel Palmer

English painter and etcher
Born
January 27th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1881 143 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in the Romantic movement, this artist specialized in landscape painting and etching. The focus was often on pastoral scenes and rural life, utilizing a unique approach that combined realism with a mystical quality. Major works include 'The Harvest Moon' and 'Home by the Sea', which showcase a deep appreciation for nature and rural English scenes. Engaging with various artistic groups, particularly the Ancients, influenced the stylistic development throughout the career.

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Émile Littré

French lexicographer and philosopher
Born
February 1st, 1801 224 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1881 143 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed to the field of lexicography through the creation of the first comprehensive dictionary of the French language, the Dictionnaire de la langue française. Engaged in philosophical discourse, particularly influenced by the ideas of Auguste Comte. Also actively participated in politics and journalism, promoting rationalist thought during the 19th century.

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Henri Vieuxtemps

Belgian violinist and composer
Born
February 17th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1881 143 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent violinist and composer, contributions included important works for the violin as well as chamber music compositions. Achieved recognition as a leading violin virtuoso of the 19th century. Gained acclaim through performances across Europe, forming an essential part of the Belgian musical landscape. Served as a professor at the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles, influencing future generations of musicians.

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Joseph Škoda

Czech dermatologist and academic scholar
Born
December 10th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1881 143 years ago — 75 years old

A significant figure in the field of dermatology, contributions focused on skin diseases and their treatment. Appointed professor of dermatology at the Charles University in Prague, educated many future doctors. Developed the concept of differential diagnosis which is pivotal in clinical practices. Authored numerous papers and textbooks that shaped modern dermatology, influencing the way skin conditions are approached in medical education.

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Franjo Krežma

Violinist and Classical Composer
Born
September 4th, 1862 162 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1881 143 years ago — 18 years old

Pioneered violin performance and composition in Croatian classical music. Studied under prominent teachers and made significant contributions as a violinist and composer. Composed numerous works that enriched the classical repertoire and mentored many students throughout a long career. Krežma's compositions continue to be performed and studied in violin programs.

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Josiah Mason

English businessman and philanthropist
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1881 143 years ago — 86 years old

Engaged in the manufacture of brass and later established a successful business in Birmingham. Through ventures in the tin plate industry, laid foundations for a profitable business that expanded throughout the 19th century. Significant philanthropic efforts focused on education, including the establishment of the Mason Science College in Birmingham, which eventually became part of the University of Birmingham. Contributed to various charitable organizations and supported numerous educational initiatives throughout his lifetime.

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Matthias Jakob Schleiden

German botanist, cell theory co-founder
Born
April 5th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1881 143 years ago — 77 years old

A significant figure in plant biology, contributions included the formulation of the cell theory alongside Theodor Schwann. Conducted extensive research on plant tissues and proposed that all plant structures originate from cells. Published influential works and engaged in discussions that shaped botanical science in the 19th century.

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