Pathetic Facts

Italian musicians died when they were 59

Here are 11 famous musicians from Italy died at 59:

Curzio Malaparte

Curzio Malaparte (June 9, 1898 Prato-July 19, 1957 Rome) also known as Kurt Eric Suckert was an Italian writer, novelist, journalist and diplomat.

Malaparte was born into a bourgeois family and received a formal education in his youth. He initially pursued a career in journalism and politics, working as a correspondent during World War I and collaborating with Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party in the early 1920s.

However, Malaparte eventually broke with the Party and became disillusioned with fascism. He began working as a freelance writer, producing a series of novels and essays that are characterized by their dark, satirical humor and their brutal, often surreal depictions of war and totalitarianism.

Malaparte's most famous novel, "Kaputt" (1944), is based on his experiences as a war correspondent on the Eastern Front during World War II. The novel has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of the atrocities committed by both the Axis and Allied forces, and for its bleak, absurdist vision of humanity.

Malaparte's later works include "The Skin" (1949), a novel set during the Allied occupation of Naples, and "The Forbidden Christ" (1951), an exploration of the contradictions and complexities of Catholicism in the modern world.

Malaparte's political and intellectual independence made him a controversial figure throughout his life, but his unique perspective and powerful writing continue to attract readers and scholars today.

Malaparte's career as a diplomat began in the 1930s when he served as the Italian consul in Shanghai, China. He was later expelled from China by the nationalist government for his criticism of fascist policies. Malaparte also briefly served as an Italian delegate to the United Nations in 1950, but he was once again dismissed due to his opposition to the government's policies.Malaparte's works were often controversial, in part because of his critical views on fascism and totalitarianism. He was imprisoned by the Fascist government several times and was put under house arrest in 1933. After the fall of Mussolini, Malaparte was briefly imprisoned by the new government before being released. He died in Rome in 1957 of lung cancer.

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Filippo De Pisis

Filippo De Pisis (May 11, 1896 Ferrara-April 2, 1956 Milan) was an Italian personality.

He was a painter and poet renowned for his unique style and artistic vision. Born into a wealthy family, De Pisis was able to pursue his passion for art and literature without any financial constraints. He began his career as a painter in World War I, during which he served as an officer in the Italian army. After the war, De Pisis moved to Paris, where he became a part of the surrealist movement and befriended several artists like Giorgio de Chirico and Alberto Savinio.

Over the course of his career, De Pisis produced a large body of work that explored various themes, including still life, landscapes, and portraits. One of his most famous works is "Le Due Poltrone," a painting of two upholstered chairs that is considered an iconic example of his unique style.

In addition to painting, De Pisis was also a talented poet and wrote several collections of poetry throughout his life. Unfortunately, his struggles with addiction, depression, and mental illness hindered his artistic output and ultimately led to his premature death in 1956 at the age of 59. Despite this, his legacy as a pioneering artist and poet continues to inspire many today.

During his time in Paris, De Pisis gained international acclaim for his unique and idiosyncratic painting style. He often experimented with vivid colors, bold brushstrokes, and unconventional compositions, creating stunning and haunting images that captivated audiences. His work was heavily influenced by the surrealist movement, but he also drew inspiration from other art forms, such as literature and music.

Although De Pisis struggled with addiction and mental illness, he continued to create art until the end of his life. His later works were marked by a sense of melancholy and introspection, reflecting the challenges he faced as a human being and as an artist. Despite his struggles, De Pisis remained a passionate and dedicated artist, pushing the boundaries of his craft and leaving behind a rich and enduring artistic legacy.

Today, De Pisis is considered one of the most important Italian artists of the 20th century, renowned for his unique and imaginative vision and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his art. His paintings and poetry continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, cementing his place as a true master of the arts.

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Fra Angelico

Fra Angelico (April 5, 1395 Vicchio-February 18, 1455 Rome) a.k.a. Angelico was an Italian artist and visual artist.

He was born as Guido di Pietro, and was popularly known as Fra Giovanni da Fiesole. Angelico was renowned for his depiction of religious subjects and was mostly associated with the Florentine Renaissance. He was a Dominican friar and lived a religious and ascetic lifestyle, which was reflected in his works of art. Angelico's art was characterized by his delicate use of color, his mastery of perspective, and his ability to portray human emotions beautifully. His famous works include frescoes in the San Marco convent in Florence and the Vatican Palace in Rome. Angelico was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982, and his feast day is celebrated on February 18.

Angelico was born into a family of small-scale farmers and began his artistic career at a young age as an apprentice to a local artist. At the age of 18, he joined the Dominican order in Fiesole, where he received his monastic name Fra Giovanni. He continued to paint while living in the monastery and his talent was soon recognized. In 1436, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Eugene IV to paint frescoes in the newly restored Chapel of the Holy Sacrament in the Basilica of St. Peter. This marked the beginning of his reputation as one of the greatest painters of his time.

The majority of Angelico's works were religious in nature and were created for churches and monasteries. He often depicted scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary in his paintings, and he was known for his attention to detail and the exquisite beauty of his compositions. His art was greatly influenced by the Dominican belief in the importance of spiritual devotion and contemplation, which is evident in the peaceful and serene atmosphere of his paintings.

Aside from his paintings, Angelico was also an accomplished manuscript illuminator and was known for his beautiful calligraphy. He was highly regarded by his contemporaries and was considered a model for other artists to follow. His contribution to the development of the Renaissance art movement cannot be overemphasized, and his legacy continues to inspire art lovers and artists around the world.

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Silvana Mangano

Silvana Mangano (April 21, 1930 Rome-December 16, 1989 Madrid) was an Italian actor and model. She had four children, Raffaella De Laurentiis, Veronica De Laurentiis, Francesca DeLaurentiis and Federico De Laurentiis.

Mangano began her career as a model in Rome before transitioning to acting, making her film debut at the age of 16 in the 1946 film "Without Pity." She quickly became one of Italy's most popular and respected actresses, working with some of the country's most acclaimed filmmakers, including Vittorio De Sica and Federico Fellini. Some of her most notable roles include "Anna" in "Anna," "Agnese" in "Bitter Rice," and "Beatrice" in "Theorem."

In addition to her successful acting career, Mangano was known for her striking beauty and was considered a fashion icon. She appeared on several magazine covers throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including Vogue and Life.

Mangano was married to film producer Dino De Laurentiis from 1949 until their divorce in 1983. Together, they had four children, all of whom went on to work in the film industry. After her divorce, Mangano continued to act but also became involved in philanthropic work, including serving as an ambassador for UNICEF.

Despite her success and acclaim, Mangano rarely discussed her personal life in interviews, preferring to keep her private life out of the public eye. She remained an enigmatic and beloved figure until her death in 1989 at the age of 59.

Mangano's performance in the 1949 film "Bitter Rice" is considered her breakout role and earned her international recognition. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving several awards and nominations. Mangano's portrayal of "Agnese" was praised for its depth and authenticity, and she was compared to Hollywood legend Bette Davis.

Mangano's relationship with Federico Fellini was also noteworthy. She starred in the director's 1954 film "La Strada," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film is considered a masterpiece of Italian neorealism and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. Mangano and Fellini continued to collaborate on several other films, including "Nights of Cabiria" and "Roma."

Mangano's beauty and fashion sense made her a popular icon in the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her elegant and sophisticated style, and her signature black dress from the film "Anna" became a fashion trendsetter. Her modeling career included campaigns for major brands like Revlon and Pirelli.

In addition to her film and fashion career, Mangano was also involved in humanitarian work. She was appointed as a UNICEF ambassador in the 1980s and used her public platform to advocate for the rights of children around the world.

Mangano's legacy continues to inspire and influence filmmakers, actors, and fashion designers. Her timeless beauty and talent are remembered as a true icon of Italian cinema.

She died as a result of lung cancer.

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Domenichino

Domenichino (October 21, 1581 Bologna-April 6, 1641 Naples) was an Italian personality.

Domenichino, whose real name was Domenico Zampieri, was an Italian Baroque painter famous for his stunning frescoes, altarpieces, and drawings. He was born and trained in Bologna, and was a pupil of the Carracci brothers, founders of the Baroque style in painting.

Domenichino worked for Cardinal Ludovisi in Rome, where he painted the famous frescoes in the San Luigi dei Francesi church. His most notable works in Rome also include the frescoes at the Sant'Andrea della Valle church and the decorations of the Oratory of San Giovanni Decollato.

Later in life, Domenichino moved to Naples, where he continued to produce extraordinary works such as the frescoes in the Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro and the vibrant altarpiece of the Immaculate Conception for the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Domenichino's works are marked by their use of dramatic composition, visible brushstrokes, and a heightened sense of emotion. He was deeply influenced by the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, and by the great Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Today, Domenichino is considered one of the foremost artists of the Italian Baroque era, and his works continue to captivate art lovers and inspire new generations of painters.

Domenichino's contribution to the development of Baroque art extended beyond his renowned paintings. He also worked as an artistic director, an architect, and a set designer for theatrical performances. In fact, his impact on the stage design of the Baroque theatre was revolutionary, and his designs set the stage for the grandiose spectacle that later became emblematic of the era.

Moreover, Domenichino was a dedicated teacher who had a significant impact on the formation of the next generation of painters. Many artists, including Francesco Albani, Guido Reni, and Giovanni Lanfranco, trained under him in his Bologna workshop. They continued his legacy, spreading the Baroque style throughout Italy and Europe.

Despite his significant accomplishments, Domenichino's life was not without controversy. He was embroiled in a bitter rivalry with fellow painter Annibale Carracci, and at one point was even physically assaulted by Carracci's brother Agostino. Nevertheless, Domenichino persevered, leaving behind a legacy that ensured his place in the history of Italian Baroque art.

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Ottavio Rinuccini

Ottavio Rinuccini (January 20, 1562 Florence-March 28, 1621 Florence) also known as Rinuccini, Ottavio was an Italian librettist and poet.

He is best known for collaborating with composer Jacopo Peri in creating Dafne, which is considered to be the first opera ever to be performed. Their partnership continued with Euridice, which enjoyed an even greater success. Rinuccini wrote the libretto for Orfeo, which was composed by Claudio Monteverdi and is considered to be a masterpiece of early opera. He also served as a diplomat for the Grand Duke of Tuscany and was a member of the prestigious Accademia della Crusca, an Italian language academy. Rinuccini's literary works, which included plays, poems, and sonnets, were known for their elegance and wit, and he was considered to be one of the leading literary figures of his time.

Despite his achievements in the literary field, Rinuccini lived a relatively private life, and not much is known about his personal life outside of his work. However, he was known to have a close relationship with fellow poet and librettist Pietro Strozzi, whom he worked with on several occasions. Rinuccini's legacy in the opera world is substantial, as he played a crucial role in shaping the early form of the genre. His librettos were praised for their ability to convey emotion and character development, and they set a high standard for later composers to follow. Rinuccini died in his native Florence at the age of 59, leaving behind a rich legacy in Italian literature and music.

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Tommaso Maria Zigliara

Tommaso Maria Zigliara (October 1, 1833 Corsica-May 11, 1893) was an Italian philosopher.

He was a Dominican friar who contributed greatly to the revival of Thomism, and he is considered one of the most prominent Thomistic philosophers of his time. Zigliara studied theology, philosophy, and mathematics in Rome, and later taught at various institutions, including the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum), where he served as Rector. He also played an important role in the preparation of the encyclical Aeterni Patris, which was issued by Pope Leo XIII and helped to promote the study of Thomism in the Catholic Church. Throughout his life, Zigliara was known for his commitment to intellectual rigor and his defense of Catholic doctrine against modernist and materialist ideas.

Zigliara was born in Bonifacio, Corsica, and at a young age, he realized he wanted to become a priest. He was sent to Rome to study philosophy and theology, and after completing his studies, he joined the Dominican Order. After his ordination, he continued his academic pursuits, earning a doctorate in philosophy and becoming a professor at the College of St. Thomas, the forerunner of the Angelicum.

Throughout his career, Zigliara worked to defend the Catholic faith against various philosophical and theological challenges, including materialism and modernism. He published numerous works on philosophy, including his influential Summa Philosophica, which sought to reconcile the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas with contemporary philosophical developments.

One of Zigliara's most important contributions was his role in the preparation of the encyclical Aeterni Patris, which called for a revival of Thomistic philosophy in the Catholic Church. As a member of the commission charged with drafting the document, Zigliara played a key role in shaping its content and promoting its ideas.

Despite his many achievements, Zigliara remained humble and deeply committed to his faith throughout his life. He died in Rome in 1893, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important Thomistic philosophers of his time.

Annibale Caro

Annibale Caro (June 6, 1507 Civitanova Marche-November 17, 1566 Rome) also known as Annibal Caro was an Italian personality.

He was a poet, translator, and writer who played a significant role in the literary movement of his time. He was known for translating the Aeneid of Virgil into Italian and for his own original poetry. Caro also served as a courtier, working in the service of Prince Guidobaldo II della Rovere and later Pope Julius III, for whom he completed several diplomatic missions. He was also an influential figure in the Accademia della Crusca, a linguistic academy dedicated to preserving the purity of the Italian language. Despite his many accomplishments, Caro experienced financial hardships throughout his life and died in relative poverty. However, his literary legacy endures and he is still regarded as one of the great Italian writers of the Renaissance era.

During his time in Rome, Caro was able to establish connections with some of the most prominent literary and artistic figures of the day, including Michelangelo and Tasso. He also served as a mentor to younger writers such as Torquato Tasso, who went on to become an important figure in Italian literature in his own right. In addition to his translations and original poetry, Caro also wrote plays and prose works, including a treatise on the Italian language.

Caro's literary career was not without controversy, however. He was criticized by some for his use of more modern Italian in his translations rather than adhering strictly to the language of the original text. Despite this, his translations and original works were widely read and highly regarded, and his influence on the development of the Italian language cannot be overstated.

Today, Caro is remembered as a highly respected writer and translator, as well as an important figure in the cultural and intellectual circles of Renaissance Italy. His works continue to be studied and appreciated, and his contributions to the world of Italian literature remain significant.

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Giambattista Benedetti

Giambattista Benedetti (August 14, 1530 Venice-January 20, 1590 Turin) was an Italian physicist and mathematician.

He was primarily known for his work in the field of mechanics and his extensive research and contributions to the study of projectile motion. Benedetti was one of the few scholars of his time who recognized the importance of Galileo's work and was instrumental in introducing Galileo's ideas to the scientific community.

In addition to his work in mechanics, Benedetti also made important contributions to the field of optics and the study of light. He was among the first scholars to correctly describe the process of how the eye perceives color and was able to explain the nature of rainbows.

Benedetti's work was highly influential, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the scientific method. His contributions to the study of mechanics and optics helped lay the foundation for many of the key discoveries and advancements made in these fields during the following centuries.

Benedetti was born in a family of merchants and studied philosophy and mathematics at the University of Padua. He began his academic career as a professor of mathematics at the University of Padua in 1560 before moving to the University of Turin in 1563, where he spent most of his professional life. As a prolific author, Benedetti published several influential works on mechanics, optics, and mathematics throughout his career. His most notable work included "Demonstratio proportionum motuum localium", where he introduced a new method for analyzing motion and the concept of the "composition of motions." His "Resolutio omnium Euclidis problematum" is also widely regarded as one of the best commentaries on Euclid's Elements. Benedetti also corresponded with other prominent scholars of his time, such as Tycho Brahe and Pierre de La Ramée, on various topics related to mathematics and astronomy. Today, Benedetti's work continues to be studied and celebrated for its contributions to the advancement of science and his commitment to the scientific method.

Antonio Beduzzi

Antonio Beduzzi (April 5, 1675 Bologna-March 4, 1735 Vienna) was an Italian engineer and architect.

He worked primarily in Vienna where he served as the court architect to Emperor Charles VI. Beduzzi is known for his contributions to the Baroque architecture style and his involvement in major construction projects in Vienna and other parts of Austria. Some of his notable works include the Church of St. John Nepomuk and the Church of St. Leopold, both located in Vienna. Beduzzi was also responsible for the design and construction of the Baroque palace Schönbrunn for the imperial family. In addition to his architectural work, Beduzzi was also skilled in engineering and invented the Böhmischer Dachstuhl, a type of roof truss used in traditional Central European architecture.

Beduzzi was born in Bologna, Italy, and received his early education in mathematics and architecture in Rome before moving to Vienna in 1700. He was initially employed as a stage designer and painter for the court theater, but his architectural talents soon caught the attention of the emperor. Beduzzi's work was highly regarded for its skillful combination of elements from Italian and Austrian architecture, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading architects in the region.

In addition to his work on major construction projects, Beduzzi also designed decorative elements such as stucco work and frescoes for several Viennese churches and palaces. He was a member of the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and was widely respected for his knowledge of art and architecture.

Beduzzi's influence on Baroque architecture in Austria was significant, and his work had a lasting impact on the development of the style in the region. He died in Vienna in 1735 at the age of 59, and his legacy lives on in the many buildings and structures he designed that continue to draw visitors to Vienna today.

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Evaristo Baschenis

Evaristo Baschenis (December 7, 1617 Bergamo-March 16, 1677 Bergamo) was an Italian personality.

Evaristo Baschenis was an Italian painter who was best known for his still-life paintings. He was born in Bergamo, Italy in 1617 and studied under the painter Francesco Zucco. Baschenis' work was heavily influenced by the Caravaggio style, characterized by dramatic lighting and intense realism. He painted primarily still-life paintings of musical instruments, books, and other household objects.

Baschenis' paintings are distinct in that they have a strong sense of realism and texture. His attention to detail was meticulous, with each object depicted in a highly accurate manner. Baschenis' use of light and shadow was also notable, as it gave his paintings a three-dimensional quality.

His work was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he received many commissions from wealthy patrons in Bergamo and beyond. Many of his paintings are now housed in museums throughout Europe and the United States, and they continue to inspire and influence artists today. Baschenis died in Bergamo in 1677 at the age of 60.

In addition to his still-life paintings, Evaristo Baschenis also executed religious and mythological scenes early in his career. However, it was his still-life works that brought him the most recognition and success. Baschenis often utilized a dark background in his paintings, which made the objects in the foreground appear even more vivid and eye-catching. He also had a talent for creating a balance within his compositions, arranging his objects in such a way that they seemed to almost dance across the canvas. Baschenis' influence can be seen in the work of many still-life painters who came after him, including the Dutch masters of the 17th century.

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