Who Was Alive in 1644

René DescartesAge 48

1596–1650 · Philosophy & Thought

"I think, therefore I am"

Oliver CromwellAge 45

1599–1658 · Politics & Leadership

Lord Protector of England

RembrandtAge 38

1606–1669 · Art

Dutch Golden Age master painter

MolièreAge 22

1622–1673 · Literature

French playwright and actor

John LockeAge 12

1632–1704 · Philosophy & Thought

Father of liberalism

Johannes VermeerAge 12

1632–1675 · Art

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Christopher WrenAge 12

1632–1723 · Art

Architect of St Paul's Cathedral

Louis XIVAge 6

1638–1715 · Politics & Leadership

The Sun King of France

Isaac NewtonAge 1

1643–1727 · Science & Invention

Laws of motion and gravity