February 29 in Art History
4 real events recorded on February 29, the earliest from 1556. 2 artists were born , 1 died on this date.
Born on this day 2
- 1556 Born
Born this day: Aurelio Lomi
Aurelio Lomi, born on February 29, 1556, was an Italian painter of the late-Renaissance and early-Baroque periods, primarily active in Pisa, Grand Duchy of Tuscany. His work, as seen in pieces like The Gathering of Manna, reflects the stylistic transition of his time.
Aurelio Lomi's paintings remain significant in the context of Italian art during the late-Renaissance and early-Baroque periods.
- 1812 Born
Born this day: Louis Lang
Louis Lang, an American artist born on February 29, 1812, is known for his contributions to 19th-century American art, with works such as Women's Art Class and The Basket Maker showcasing his style. His paintings often featured everyday scenes and people.
Louis Lang's artwork remains a notable part of American art history, offering glimpses into 19th-century life.
Died on this day 1
- 1932 Died
Died this day: Ramon Casas
Ramon Casas, a Spanish artist, was a prominent portraitist and painter of crowd scenes, capturing the essence of Barcelona's elite and tumultuous events. His work spanned across mediums, including graphic design, contributing to the modernisme movement. Notable works include portraits and scenes of everyday life, showcasing his ability to document the world around him.
Ramon Casas' contributions to modernisme continue to influence Catalan art and culture.
Unveilings & commissions 1
- 1960 Commission
Columbus Circle art museum project cleared
On February 29, 1960, the last legal obstacle to Huntington Hartford's proposed Gallery of Modern Art at 2 Columbus Circle was removed when the Court of Appeals refused to hear the remaining shoe-store tenant's appeal and the store vacated the site. The decision mattered because it allowed demolition and construction to proceed on Edward Durell Stone's controversial museum commission, an attempt by Hartford to create a New York showcase for an alternative canon of modern art. The project eventually opened to the public on March 21, 1964, displaying Hartford's collection, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Turner, and Salvador Dali, and later became the New York Cultural Center before its conversion for the Museum of Arts and Design.
The decision enabled one of New York's most debated postwar museum buildings to move from proposal to construction.