tenebrism

Tenebrism, from the Italian //tenebroso// ("murky"), (also called dramatic illumination) is a style of painting using very pronounced chiaroscuro, where there are violent contrasts of light and dark, and darkness becomes a dominating feature of the image. Da Vinci is generally credited with the invention of the style, but the term "Tenebrist" is more likely to be applied to later painters under his influence. However, Caravaggio, a Baroque artist, is so closely associated with Tenebrism, that the word "Caravaggism" is sometimes applied in an almost synonymous fashion, or the phrase "Caravaggesque tenebrism" is sometimes used. The word is capitalised by some art historians, and not by others.

Da Vinci Caravaggio Tintoretto El Greco Gentileschi
 * examples of tenebrists:**

Calling of St. Matthew-Caravaggio Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes (pictured below)-Artemisia Gentileschi Death of the Virgin-Caravaggio
 * examples of paintings using tenebrism:**