Felix Mendelssohn

The composer, conductor and instrumental soloist Felix Mendelssohn is considered one of the most important figures of the Romantic period. Some of his most well-known works include the Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was played at the …

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

One of the most popular classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg on 27 January 1756. From an early age, Mozart showed great interest and extraordinary talent in music. Already at five, he started composing his first pieces, …

Edouard Manet

“There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.” Edouard Manet Edouard Manet was born on 23 January 1883 to a wealthy Parisian family with strong political connections. His father was a judge, and his mother …

Charles Perrault’s fairy tales

Charles Perrault is a name that is familiar to the young and old all over the world.  Who doesn’t know his Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty? Perrault was born on 12 January 1628 to a wealthy Parisian …

Did Columbus really see mermaids?

On 9 January 1493, Christopher Columbus observed something he had before seen on the coasts of Africa… Mermaids.  In his journal he described the encounter with three mermaids that elevated themselves above the suface of the sea. Most likely mistaking …

Europeana’s 20 millionth item

This autumn, Europeana’s content reached 20 million items, increasing the content ten-fold since its initial launch in 2008. The 20 millionth item is a painting of the Biblical story of David and Goliath painted by the celebrated Caravaggio in 1600-1601. …