Arts & Culture
The Use of Chiaroscuro in Baroque Painting and Drama
Quick fact
Caravaggio's 'The Calling of St. Matthew' is a quintessential example where a shaft of light enters a dark room, dramatically separating into a divine gesture, revolutionizing art with its realism and emotional punch.
Why this is interesting
You've seen those paintings where a single beam of light cuts through darkness, illuminating a face while the rest is swallowed in shadow. But why did Baroque artists and playwrights become so obsessed with this stark contrast—and how does it still shape the way we watch movies and plays today?