Born on January 23

A French writer of the 19th century, Stendhal is the author of the psychological novel The Red and the Black (1830). Known for his sharp analysis of human passions and his direct style, he left a lasting mark on French literature by exploring themes of ambition, passion, and social criticism.

German mathematician (1862–1943), one of the most influential of his era. In 1900, he formulated the 23 problems that would guide mathematical research throughout the 20th century, and sought to establish mathematics on rigorous formal foundations.

French physicist (1872–1946), student of Pierre Curie and friend of Einstein, pioneer of the theory of magnetism and ultrasonics. A committed philosopher of science, he was a passionate anti-fascist activist and defender of secular public education.

Soviet filmmaker and theorist, a pioneer of cinematic language. He revolutionized the art of film through his theory of the montage of attractions, illustrated in works such as Battleship Potemkin.

French jazz guitarist

Gertrude B. Elion (1918-1999) was an American biochemist and pharmacologist, a pioneer of rational drug design. Her research led to the development of treatments for leukemia, gout, transplant rejection, and viral infections. She received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1988.

French actress, singer, and director (1928–2017), iconic figure of the French New Wave. Muse of François Truffaut and Louis Malle, she embodied a free and modern femininity in films that have become classics of world cinema.