What Happened This Year 1884

Born in 1884

Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler

Art collector and historian, Cubism expert
Born
June 25th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 95 years old

An art collector and historian focused on modern art, particularly Cubism. Kahnweiler's collection included works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. He played a significant role in the promotion and understanding of Cubism, serving as an influential dealer and supporter of these artists during their formative years. Kahnweiler fled to France during World War II, where he continued to work and advocate for modern art. His intellectual contributions included writings that examined the development of Cubism and its key figures, impacting the appreciation of modern art in both France and Germany.

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Gaston Bachelard

French philosopher and poet
Born
June 27th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1962 62 years ago — 78 years old

Contributed significantly to the philosophy of science. Explored the relationship between reverie and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of imagination and intuition. Authored works such as 'The Poetics of Space' and 'The New Scientific Spirit,' influencing fields like architecture, literature, and psychology. His ideas merged poetic thought with scientific inquiry, focusing on the role of daydreams in understanding reality.

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Georges Duhamel

French soldier and author
Born
June 30th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1966 58 years ago — 81 years old

Served in the French Army during World War I, experiencing the harsh realities of war. Gained recognition as a novelist, writing works that explored the complexities of human experience. Authored 'La Découverte de l'Esprit', which garnered praise for its psychological depth. Contributed to the literary world as a member of Académie Française, shaping French literature in the early 20th century.

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Alfons Maria Jakob

German neurologist and author of research
Born
July 2nd, 1884 140 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1931 93 years ago — 47 years old

A neurologist and researcher who significantly contributed to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Early work focused on the pathology of diseases affecting the nervous system. Jakob is particularly associated with the identification of a rare prion disease, named Jakob disease after him. Published various studies that advanced the field of neurology and influenced subsequent research on neurodegeneration. His findings laid the foundation for later understanding of similar conditions, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

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Enrico Dante

Italian cardinal and church official
Born
July 5th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1884, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, served in various ecclesiastical roles, including Bishop and later Cardinal. Participated in significant church missions and contributed to theological discussions. Played a role in the Second Vatican Council, which aimed to address relations between the Church and the modern world. Focused on issues of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue throughout his career.

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Harold Stirling Vanderbilt

Businessman and accomplished sailor
Born
July 6th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1970 54 years ago — 85 years old

Business pursuits in railroads, yachts, and horse racing characterized the life of this prominent businessman. Provided significant leadership in the Vanderbilt family businesses. Excelled in sailing, winning prestigious competitions including the America's Cup. Contributed to the development of maritime sport and business strategies associated with it.

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Lion Feuchtwanger

German author and playwright of notable works
Born
July 7th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1958 66 years ago — 74 years old

An influential German author and playwright, contributed significantly to literature in the early to mid-20th century. Worked in various genres, including novels and plays, often emphasizing themes of social justice and identity. Emigrated to the United States in the 1930s due to the rise of the Nazi regime. Many works were critical of totalitarianism, including the well-regarded novels 'The Oppermanns' and 'Jew Süss'. Maintained an active role in literary circles, producing works that resonated deeply during times of political upheaval. Continued to write and publish until death in 1958, leaving a legacy that influenced later generations of writers.

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Louis B. Mayer

Film producer and studio head
Born
July 12th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
October 29th, 1957 67 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent American film producer and production manager, played a key role in the establishment of MGM Studios. Instrumental in the production of numerous classic films, he transformed the landscape of Hollywood. Mayer's leadership defined a vision for the studio system in the early 20th century, overseeing the careers of many legendary stars and filmmakers. Mayer's approach combined artistic ambition with a keen business acumen, leading to significant success during the golden age of cinema.

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Amedeo Modigliani

Italian painter and sculptor
Born
July 12th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1920 105 years ago — 35 years old

Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian painter and sculptor active in the early 20th century. He is recognized for portraits and nudes characterized by elongated forms and a distinctive, expressive style. Modigliani's work reflects influences from various artistic movements, including Cubism and Expressionism. Despite limited commercial success during his lifetime, his pieces gained significant attention posthumously. Modigliani lived most of his life in Paris, where he became associated with a circle of artists and writers. His life was marked by struggles with poverty and illness, which contributed to his early death.

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