Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson died from a stroke and heart complications at his home in Washington, D.C. on February 3, 1924. After his passing, the bishop at the National Cathedral approached Mrs. Wilson and requested that he be interred in the National Cathedral. The bishop hoped to make the National Cathedral the American version of Westminster Abbey, where numerous British monarchs are entoumbed. Although Mrs. Wilson approved, subsequent presidents did not follow suit. Wilson became the first and only president laid to rest in Washington, D.C. 

Rembrandt

 

Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch painter and etcher who is widely considered one of the greatest painters in European art history. He was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Netherlands, and spent most of his life in Amsterdam. His father was a miller and his mother was the daughter of a baker, and they raised him in the Protestant faith.

Rembrandt studied under two of the leading painters of his time, Jacob van Swanenburgh and Pieter Lastman, before establishing his own workshop in Amsterdam in 1624. His early works were influenced by the chiaroscuro technique of Caravaggio, but he soon developed his own unique style that combined realism and emotional depth with a rich use of light and shadow.

"The Night Watch" (1642) is one of Rembrandt's most famous paintings and a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age. It depicts a group portrait of a city militia and is notable for its dynamic composition and use of light and shadow to create a sense of drama and movement. Despite its title, the painting is not actually a night scene, but rather a group of figures illuminated by a shaft of light.

"Self-Portrait with Two Circles" (1661) is another of Rembrandt's most famous works and a prime example of his introspective style. The painting shows Rembrandt looking directly at the viewer, with a serious and contemplative expression. The two circles in the background of the painting have been interpreted in various ways, but some scholars believe they represent the eye of God or the artist's own vision.

"Syndics of the Drapers' Guild" (1662) is a group portrait of six men who oversaw the cloth trade in Amsterdam. The painting is known for its detailed realism and the sense of unity among the figures, which is achieved through a masterful use of composition and light. Rembrandt was able to convey the individual character and personality of each sitter while also creating a sense of harmony and balance in the overall composition.

Other notable works by Rembrandt include "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" (1632), "The Jewish Bride" (1667), and "The Blinding of Samson" (1636). Rembrandt's legacy as one of the greatest painters in European art history continues to this day, and his innovative use of light, shadow, and emotional expression continues to influence artists around the world.

Eliot Spitzer

 Eliot Spitzer served as the 54th Governor of New York from January 2007 until his resignation on March 17, 2008. On March 10, 2008, The New York Times reported that Spitzer had patronized a high-priced escort service. According to published reports, investigators alleged that Spitzer paid up to $80,000 for prostitutes over a period of several years while he was attorney general, and later as governor. As the truth emerged, Spitzer announced on March 12, 2008, that he would resign his post as governor amid threats of his impeachment.