November 4 is the birthday of Italian painter GUIDO RENI (1575-1642). He was a painter of the Baroque period, although his works showed a classical manner, similar to Simon Vouet, Nicholas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne. He painted primarily religious works, but also mythological and allegorical subjects. Active in Rome, Naples, and his native Bologna, he became the dominant figure in the Bolognese School that emerged under the influence of the Carracci. To see more examples of Reni’s art, CLICK HERE.

Happy Birthday, FREDERICK ELMES!! The American cinematographer is 78-years-old today. He is probably best known for his collaborations with director David Lynch on films like "Wild at Heart," "Blue Velvet" and Lynch's first full-length film ERASERHEAD (1977).

November 4 is the birthday of Dutch Golden Age painter, GERARD VAN HONTHORST (1592-1656). He became known for his depiction of artificially lit scenes, eventually receiving the nickname Gherardo delle Notti ('Gerard of the nights'). Early in his career he visited Rome, where he had great success painting in a style influenced by Caravaggio. Following his return to the Netherlands he became a leading portrait painter. To see samples of his art, CLICK HERE.