What Happened This Year 1958
People Who Died in 1958
John B. Watson
An influential psychologist, contributed to the establishment of behaviorism, a theory which emphasized observable behaviors over internal mental states. Developed the Little Albert experiment, demonstrating the principles of classical conditioning by conditioning a child to fear a white rat. Established the psychological school of thought that became predominant in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of environment in shaping human behavior. Held a professorship at Johns Hopkins University, influencing future generations of psychologists through teaching and published works.
Continue ReadingAarre Merikanto
Born in Finland in 1893, a prominent composer and educator emerged, contributing significantly to Finnish music. Studied at the Helsinki Music Institute and continued education in Germany. Composed various orchestral works, operas, choral pieces, and songs. Established a unique style that blended impressionism with Finnish folk elements. Served as a teacher at the Helsinki University of the Arts, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. His compositions remain a vital part of the Finnish classical repertoire, celebrated for their melodic strength and emotional depth. Through both performance and education, played a significant role in the development of Finnish music during the 20th century.
Continue ReadingRobert Falk
A prominent Russian painter and educator contributed significantly to the art scene in the early 20th century. Active in the Supreme Soviet of the Arts, he played a crucial role in shaping artistic education. Falk is recognized for his association with the Russian avant-garde movement and his dedication to teaching. His works were characterized by vivid colors and emotional depth, reflecting the changes in Russian society during his lifetime. Falk's paintings have been exhibited in major galleries and remain influential in discussions about Russian art.
Continue ReadingIda Wüst
Born in 1884, this actress and screenwriter made significant contributions to German cinema. Wüst appeared in numerous films during the early and mid-20th century. Her career includes work in silent films and the transition to talkies, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Besides acting, Wüst also engaged in screenwriting, highlighting her creative talents. She left a lasting legacy in the film industry before passing away in 1955.
Continue ReadingRan Bosilek
Contributed significantly to Bulgarian literature through original works and translations. Engaged with various genres, producing children's books and literary criticism. Actively participated in the cultural life of Bulgaria during the early 20th century. Efforts in translation enhanced the accessibility of international literature to Bulgarian readers.
Continue ReadingPope Pius XII
Elected as Pope in 1939, this individual led the Catholic Church during a challenging period marked by World War II. The papacy focused on various social and political issues, including attempts to mediate peace during the war. The individual addressed contemporary problems concerning the Church's involvement in global politics and advocated for humanitarian efforts, especially regarding the protection of Jewish people and refugees during the Holocaust. Post-war, the papacy dealt with the complexities of the Cold War and worked to reform the Church's position in the modern world. The individual was also involved in the establishment of the Vatican's diplomatic relations with different nations.
Continue ReadingMaurice de Vlaminck
A prominent figure in the Fauvist movement, the work focused on bold colors and expressive brushwork. Early artistic collaborations with fellow Fauvist André Derain led to significant contributions in the early 20th century art scene. In the 1905 Salon d'Automne, a pivotal exhibition showcased works that defied traditional representation, emphasizing color over form. This period saw a departure from more realistic styles, establishing a new visual language that would influence many future artists. Alongside painting, also produced poetry that reflected the same vibrant spirit found in the artwork. His career spanned several decades, and he engaged with various artistic mediums including landscape and portraiture, marked by a distinctive use of color and composition.
Continue ReadingGordon Griffith
An actor, director, and producer active in the early 20th century. Griffith began his career as a child actor, gaining recognition for performances in silent films. Later transitioned to directing and producing, contributing to the development of early cinema. Griffith worked predominantly in the silent film industry, showcasing talents in various genres. His career spanned several decades until retirement from film.
Continue ReadingNikolay Zabolotsky
Birth occurred in 1903. Zabolotsky emerged as a significant figure in Russian literature during the 20th century. His poetic work often explored themes of nature, human experience, and philosophical reflection. Zabolotsky was also a prominent translator, bringing works of foreign literature into Russian. In 1931, he was arrested during the Stalinist purges and spent several years in labor camps. After his release, he continued to write, and in the post-war years, he published a number of important works. Zabolotsky contributed to the Soviet literary scene through his participation in literary discussions and journals, maintaining a presence in the poetic community until his death in 1958.
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