1577 - 1640 Flanders (Belgium)Rubens brought together the best of Italian and Dutch renaissance painting into a lush style that has become known as Baroque. His ability to bring the human form and flesh alive continues to amaze...

Philippus Paracelsus1493-1541 Switzerland“Alchemists” have unfortunately come to be trivialized as people on a Quixotic quest to make base metals into gold. Paracelsus was a true alchemist—a brilliant medieval phy...

1533-1603 EnglandThrough skilled diplomacy, uncommon wisdom, and unparalleled charisma, the brilliant and beloved “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth brought religious peace to England during the worst days of Protestant-Catholic conflict...

121 - 180 Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 AD. He’s best known for his Meditations, a remarkable book that captures the essence of stoic philosophy, and is the equal ...

Marilyn Monroe1926 - 1962 AmericaMarilyn Monroe was one of the most famous movie stars of all time. Many people have tried to explain (and others have tried to dismiss) the powerful impact her presence had on the ...

1810 - 1849 Poland / FranceThe famous 19th century composer, Chopin transformed the piano into a solo instrument of breathtaking emotional power. Consumptive and sickly, he is almost as well known for his liaison with the write...

9th Century BC, Lebanon  / IsraelJezebel was a Phoenician princess from Tyre (Lebanon) who was married off to Ahab, King of the Hebrews. She tried to introduce her native idol worship to Israel, incurring the wrath of the ...