Born and died in 1788

French engineer and physicist who developed the wave theory of light and invented the innovative Fresnel lens, greatly improving lighthouse visibility

German composer and musician, son of Johann Sebastian Bach, recognized for his significant contributions to the Baroque and Classical eras, including numerous sonatas, concertos, and symphonies

English portrait and landscape painter renowned for his quick brushwork, light palette, and capturing the essence of both human subjects and natural scenery

French natural historian, mathematician, and cosmologist who directed the Jardin du Roi and authored the influential Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière