What Happened This Year 1917
People Who Died in 1917
Werner Voss
Born in 1897, this individual became a prominent fighter pilot during World War I. Serving with the Imperial German Army Air Service, achieved remarkable success in aerial combat. Amassed a total of 48 confirmed aerial victories before his untimely death in 1917. His skill in dogfighting and innovative tactics earned significant recognition among contemporaries and future aviators.
Continue ReadingEdgar Degas
Contributed significantly to the Impressionist movement, focusing on movement and the human form. Preferred depicting ballet dancers, women in domestic settings, and horse races. Utilized pastels and oils, creating iconic works such as 'The Ballet Class' and 'The Dance Class'. Experimented with new techniques in drawing and sculpture, influencing future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingFlorence La Badie
Active in the early 20th century, this actress gained recognition for her roles in silent films. Primarily associated with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company, she appeared in multiple films between 1912 and 1916. Notable works include 'The Girl and the Outlaw' and 'A Social Bandit'. Despite a brief career, her contributions to early cinema remain significant.
Continue ReadingMata Hari
Born in the Netherlands, became a performer in Paris in the early 1900s, gaining fame as an exotic dancer and entertainer. Performed in the Folies Bergère and was celebrated for her provocative costumes and dances. During World War I, worked as a spy, allegedly gathering intelligence for Germany while seducing military officials. Arrested by French authorities in 1917, tried for espionage and executed by firing squad.
Continue ReadingBob Fitzsimmons
Born in England and later moved to New Zealand, this boxer became a prominent figure in the sport during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Achieving fame in the ring, this athlete was the first three-weight world champion, holding titles in middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions. With a reputation for exceptional skill and power, the boxer faced and defeated many prominent contenders of the time, gaining recognition and accolades in the boxing community.
Continue ReadingEugène Grasset
Eugène Grasset was a Swiss illustrator and designer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Grasset's work primarily focused on decorative arts, book illustrations, and posters, exemplifying the Art Nouveau movement. A significant career milestone included contributions to the decorative arts in France, where he settled and influenced the visual aesthetics of the period. He published several illustrated books, integrating design and typography seamlessly. Grasset's style emphasized organic forms and intricate details, making a lasting impact on graphic design.
Continue ReadingJames Carroll Beckwith
A prominent American painter and academic, this individual contributed to the field of art through both creation and education. Studied at the National Academy of Design and was influenced by the Barbizon school. Became a member of the American Academy in Rome, furthering studies in European art and techniques. Served as a professor at various institutions, emphasizing the importance of observational skills in painting. Works largely focused on portraits and landscapes, showcasing a unique interplay of light and color.
Continue ReadingArthur Rhys-Davids
Served as a lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. Achieved recognition for exceptional bravery as a fighter pilot. Flew numerous missions and participated in key aerial battles. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary courage and leadership in combat, contributing to the Royal Flying Corps' efforts during the war.
Continue ReadingDimitrios Votsis
A prominent lawyer and politician in Greece, Votsis served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament. Active in political affairs, he contributed significantly to legislative processes and national discussions during a transformative period in Greek history. Votsis's legal expertise and political involvement helped shape various reforms and policy implementations of the time. His career spanned a critical era leading up to and during the early years of the 20th century.
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