Born on This Day: June 6

Spanish painter whose portraits and court scenes became defining achievements of Baroque art.

Russian poet and author whose language and works became foundational to modern Russian literature.

British explorer whose Antarctic expeditions advanced polar knowledge and became enduring studies in exploration and leadership.

German novelist and essayist whose works examined culture, morality, politics, and the crises of modern Europe.

Armenian composer whose ballets and orchestral works brought Armenian musical elements into the international repertory.

Swiss physicist who co-invented the scanning tunneling microscope, enabling scientists to image and manipulate matter at the atomic scale.

American lawyer and advocate who founded the Children’s Defense Fund and advanced policy for disadvantaged children.

Swedish tennis player whose athletic style and achievements transformed the modern professional game.