Famous People Born In 1720

The first son of Japanese emperor Nakamikado, Emperor Sakuramachi reigned during the Edo period. He was known as Teruhito before he took over the Chrysanthemum Throne. People also believed him to be the reincarnation of Prince Shōtoku, and he brought back imperial rites such as Daijōsai and Shinjōsai.

Italian architect, artist, and archaeologist Giovanni Battista Piranesi is best known for his 16-print series name The Prisons. His remarkable etchings of the famous landmarks of Rome exhibited his unique etching technique, which involved contrasts of light and shade. He made about 2,000 plates throughout his life.

Giuseppe Sanmartino is best remembered for his stunning marble work Veiled Christ, a depiction of a deceased Christ under a shroud, that was left incomplete by Antonio Corradini. The statue earned him further commissions from Bourbons and various Neapolitan churches. He also worked on silver sculptures in his final days.

Charles De Geer was a Swedish entomologist and industrialist. A respected entomologist, De Geer was made a member of the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at the age of 19. In 1748, Charles De Geer was elected a member of the French Academy of Sciences. 

John Woolman was an American tailor, merchant, abolitionist, journalist, and Quaker preacher. He is best remembered for preaching Quaker beliefs after traveling through the American frontier. He condemned slavery, cruelty to animals, conscription, and economic injustices. He also published several essays against slavery. His journal, which he carried throughout his life, was published posthumously as The Journal of John Woolman.