Famous People Born In 1717

The mother of 16 children, Maria Theresa was the only female monarch of the Habsburg empire which she ruled with absolute power. She was known for industrial and educational reforms which led to the development of Austria during her 40-year reign. The devout Roman Catholic, who overtly disliked Jews and the Protestants, was sometimes criticized for her religious intolerance.

Jean le Rond d'Alembert was a French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and music theorist. He is credited with coming up with d'Alembert's formula, a solution to the one-dimensional wave equation, which is named after him. His life and work inspired Andrew Crumey's 1996 novel, D'Alembert's Principle.

German art historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann is often referred to as the father of modern archaeology. Born to a cobbler, he studied Greek, theology, and even medicine. He later specialized in Greek and Neoclassical art and had a prominent influence on Western painting, sculpture, and literature.

Johann Stamitz was a Bohemian violinist and composer. He is considered the founding father of the Mannheim school, of which his sons Carl and Anton Stamitz were students. Johann Stamitz is best remembered for his 10 orchestral trios and 58 symphonies.

Landscape painter Alexander Cozens was the godchild of Russian Emperor Peter I but was often mistaken as his child. Born in Russia, he later moved too England, where he taught painting at Eton and trained luminaries such as the Prince of Wales. He introduced a style of painting landscapes from abstract blots.

Qing dynasty general Agui was the son of Qing official Akdun. He led several major military operations, including Chinese Turkistan and Ili, and also unsuccessfully tried to conquer Myanmar. He also helped China strengthen its position in Taiwan. He had also been the Chief Grand Councillor and held several ministerial posts.

Elimelech of Lizhensk was a rabbi who played a key role in the founding of the famous and influential Hasidic movement. Many of his disciples like Chozeh of Lublin and Menachem Mendel of Rimanov went on to become great leaders.