With her painful passing, the artists eulogize
With oil and words and speedy, solemn phrases
They say their last goodbyes.

Vincent van Gogh, Dutch post-impressionist painter, was born today in 1853.

Tom Sharpe, English satirical novelist, was born on this day in 1928.

Eric Clapton, English guitarist and songwriter, was born on this day in 1945.

Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, wife of King George VI and mother of Queen Elizabeth II, died today in 2002.