tenebrism etymology

Etymology

• Latin: "tenebris" (darkness) + "-ism" (state or quality)

Meaning

• A style of painting characterized by the use of dramatic contrasts between light and dark, with strong, shadowy effects and a limited color palette.

Origin

• Tenebrism emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Italy, particularly in the work of painters such as Caravaggio and Georges de La Tour.

Key Characteristics

• Strong, directional lighting that creates deep shadows and highlights.
• Use of chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark) to create a sense of depth and drama.
• Figures often depicted in close-up, with expressive faces and gestures.
• Limited color palette, often dominated by dark tones and earth colors.
• Influence of the Caravaggesque style and the naturalistic portrayal of light and shadow.

Examples

• Caravaggio's "The Calling of St. Matthew" (1599-1600)
• Georges de La Tour's "The Education of the Virgin" (1640-1645)
• Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" (1642)
• Jusepe de Ribera's "The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew" (1639)

Cultural Significance

• Tenebrism played a significant role in the development of Western art, particularly in the Baroque period.
• It created a sense of mystery and spirituality that appealed to religious patrons and the Catholic Church.
• Its dramatic lighting and expressive figures influenced later painting styles, such as Romanticism and Realist art.

tenebrism relate terms

• tenebrous

  Etymology Latin tenebrae darkness Through Old French ténébreux Meaning and

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• emanation

  Etymology Late Latin emanatio flowing forth emanation Latin emanare to flow forth

• concern

  Etymology Old French concerner to belong to concern Latin contingere to happen o

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  Etymology Old French obéir Latin obedire Ob meaning towards audire meaning t

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• righteous

  Etymology The word righteous has its origins in Old English where it was spelled as

• connotation

  Etymology From Late Latin connotatio from Latin connotare meaning to note together