Born on August 31

French writer and critic (1811-1872), founder of the doctrine of art for art's sake, which champions the independence of art from moral and social concerns. Author of novels, poetry, and art criticism, he left a lasting mark on the 19th century through his commitment to formal beauty and aestheticism.

Italian composer (1834–1886), a major figure of Italian Romantic opera. He is best known for La Gioconda (1876), from which the celebrated Dance of the Hours is taken. He was a professor of Puccini and Mascagni at the Milan Conservatory.

American physician, a pioneer for the place of women in medicine in the 19th century. A rigorous researcher and suffragist activist, she scientifically refuted the medical prejudices that deemed women unfit for intellectual and physical effort.

Italian physician and educator

Queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to 1948, Wilhelmine embodied the national resistance during the Nazi occupation. Taking refuge in London, she led the government in exile and kept the morale of the Dutch people alive through her radio broadcasts.

First female president of Taiwan, elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. A lawyer by training, she leads the Democratic Progressive Party and defends Taiwanese sovereignty against Chinese pressure.