Famous People Born In 1632

Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter renowned for his use of light in paintings. Although he did not achieve fame during his lifetime, Vermeer's works gained popularity in the 19th century. Today, Vermeer is often counted among the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age. Over the years, Vermeer's work has inspired artists like Wilhelm Hammershoi and Thomas Wilmer Dewing.

Seventeenth-century Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, also known as the Father of Microbiology, is remembered as a pioneer of microscopy. His contribution to microbiology included the discovery of spermatozoa, bacteria, and muscle fibers. Though he had not authored any book, his letters to the Royal Society were later published.

Architect Sir Christopher Wren had built over 50 churches in London, the most popular of them being the St. Paul’s Cathedral. He was a major force behind the formation of the Royal Society and was also knighted for his achievements. He was also a member of the English Parliament.

Born to Italian parents, Jean-Baptiste Lully grew up to be a legendary composer who ruled the French courts. He started his journey as a violinist in Louis XIV’s band and later came to be known for his tragic operas. He had also apparently invented the French overture.

Maria Leopoldine of Austria was born Archduchess of Austria and belonged to the House of Habsburg. Through her marriage to Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III, Maria Leopoldine became the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Queen consort of Bohemia as well as Hungary, and German Queen. Maria Leopoldine died in childbirth when she was just 17 years old.

Rahman Baba is remembered as one of the most influential Pashtun poets of all time. Best known for his anthology Dīwān, he had been revered by people throughout the Indian subcontinent and even in Afghanistan and Central Asia. He was known for dealing with complex themes in simple language.

Samuel von Pufendorf was a German jurist, economist, political philosopher, and historian. Among Pufendorf's major achievements are his revisions and commentaries of the natural law theories of Hugo Grotius and Thomas Hobbes. In Germany, Samuel von Pufendorf is best remembered as a precursor of an intellectual and philosophical movement called the Age of Enlightenment. 

Adam Frans van der Meulen was a Flemish draughtsman and painter best remembered for depicting scenes of military conquests and campaigns. His depiction of battle scenes had a significant impact on the progerssion of military painting genre in France. A versatile painter, Adam Frans van der Meulen also painted hunting scenes, portraits, and landscapes. He even designed cartoons for tapestries.

Henry Compton, the Protestant bishop of London, was deprived of a place in the privy council by Roman Catholic James II. During the Glorious Revolution, he was one of the Immortal Seven who had sent an invitation to William III, or William of Orange, to invade England.