What is Tenebrism — The Art of Light and Shadow Explained

Chiaroscuro is an Italian term used to describe the technique of using light and dark in artwork. Tenebrism falls under the umbrella of chiaroscuro — but it’s also very much its own thing. Confusing, I know. 

Chiaroscuro and tenebrism both focus on the high contrast between brightly lit subjects and darkly lit backgrounds. But the key difference between chiaroscuro vs tenebrism is found in the shadows.

Where chiaroscuro uses its light and shadow to create depth behind the subject, tenebrism goes full black. This creates an extreme separation between subject and setting, which is why it's referred to as the "spotlight effect."

Now, let's get into some of the techniques at work to achieve this style of imagery and some background on the style's most prominent figures.

History and Techniques

Tenebrism art & techniques

For more on the process of creating “tenebrism art,” let’s listen to artist and educator Paul Ingbretson of the Boston School. He explain this dramatic style in his own words as well as the techniques artists like Caravaggio used to achieve it.

“It’s basically inky shadows as opposed to chiaroscuro which just means the idea of ‘lost and found.’ The idea of ‘lost’ as a relative lack of definition in shadows.” If chiaroscuro is about the relationship between light and shadow, then tenebrism is about the shadow itself. More importantly, it’s about the way the shadow is ink-blotched on the canvas. 

What is Tenebrism’s Origin?

Famous tenebrism examples

Which artist is credited with inventing the tenebroso technique? In the early Renaissance period, Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio became renowned as a master of chiaroscuro. As such, it should come as no surprise that he was an innovator of light and dark painting technique.

In fact, Caravaggio was so much of an innovator, he’s come to be regarded as the founder of tenebrism.

From 1592 to his death in 1610, Caravaggio pioneered many of the lighting techniques that have become synonymous with “late baroque” art. Many of his works — including Judith Beheading Holofernes, depicted below — utilized deep contrast, defined by dark washes of black and intoxicating light.

The inky blacks in this painting are a defining feature of tenebrism; by ways of juxtaposition, they make the sense of illumination all the more dramatic. Let’s take a look at another masterwork of the Tenebrism movement.

David with the Head of Goliath is a great example of the “dramatic illumination” idea we alluded to earlier. Look at how the light highlights the solemn victory on David’s face, and consequently, the despondent vacancy on the Goliath’s face. Why did Caravaggio use tenebrism? Well, simply to get a unique, dramatic look. 

Tenebrism Art Definition Shortcomings

Problems with the tenebrism definition

Stark contrast light and shadow techniques — which we’ve referred to as tenebrism — undoubtedly had an enormous influence on artists throughout the Renaissance period. However, some art historians argue the definition of tenebrism is too vague to warrant individual merit. I’d say there’s a definite, if ultimately minimal, difference between tenebrism and chiaroscuro.

Whereas the former is defined by a deep wash of black and an intense spotlight, the latter is capable, not clausal of those characteristics. Ultimately, the distinction has more to do with analysis than practice.

And many would argue that the practice of painting light and dark is what matters most. For more on Caravaggio’s painting style – chiaroscuro, tenebrism, or otherwise – check out the video below.

So, when creating your own artwork, consider mixing light and shadow to create visual depth. Remember the tenets of tenebrism: use a spotlight on your subject and give your background a deep wash of black. Perhaps you’ll find something unique and exciting in the dramatic illumination.