Caravaggio and Chiaroscuro

Caravaggio, 1600

According to Kit White, "Chiaroscuro is the dramatic contrast of dark and light in an image.  Caravaggio and Rembrandt are considered the early masters of the technique."  The value scale, which goes from near white to black, can add a volumetric quality to the figures and objects that are being depicted.  It can be used to indicate where the light source is coming from and where the shadows are.  Chiaroscuro is the dramatic contrast of the light and darker values, with minimal mid-tones.  Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew (see picture), puts Christ in the shadows with a hard contrast with the light coming in from the window.  The light follows to Christ's pointing finger then onto St. Matthew himself.  Here the light and shadow is used to draw the eye through the picture.  Chiaroscuro adds drama to a painting, in which Caravaggio was a master.  Enjoy!