Illumination (image)

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}{{Short description|Key element in visual arts}}

{{Other uses|Illumination (disambiguation)}}

{{More citations needed|date=January 2025}}

Image:Michelangelo Caravaggio 043.jpg: a single light source casts shadows and emphasizes any variation in texture]]

Illumination is a concept in visual arts. By manipulating the lighting, an Artist can create a specific atmosphere for their work of art. Additionally, it can help the artist add depth to their work.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Christopher P |date=2024-01-29 |title=Art Fundamentals: How Illumination & Shadow Add Meaning to Artworks |url=https://christopherpjones.medium.com/art-fundamentals-how-light-shadow-add-meaning-to-artworks-38e346c84e0e |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240519010510/https://christopherpjones.medium.com/art-fundamentals-how-light-shadow-add-meaning-to-artworks-38e346c84e0e |archive-date=2024-05-19 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=Medium |language=en}}

The illumination of the subject of a drawing or painting is a key element in creating an artistic piece, and the interplay of light and shadow is a valuable method in the artist's toolbox. The placement of the light sources can make a considerable difference in the type of message that is being presented. Multiple light sources can wash out any wrinkles in a person's face, for instance, and give a more youthful appearance. In contrast, a single light source, such as harsh daylight, can serve to highlight any texture or interesting features.

File:Interiør med ung læsende mand.jpg painting is an example using diffused light, creating a softer image.]]

Caravaggio's early biographers, Giovanni Pietro Bellori and Joachim von Standrart both stated that Caravaggio worked in a dark room and illuminated his subjects with a single light source from above.Thomas, T. (2021). [https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/712864?journalCode=sou How Did Caravaggio Light His Subjects?] Source: Notes in the History of Art, 40(2), 111–120. Caravaggio's pioneering use of light and shade is known as chiaroscuro.{{Cite web |title=5 Facts About the Light And Dark Of Caravaggio |url=https://artsandculture.google.com/story/5-facts-about-the-light-and-dark-of-caravaggio/PgUh5Qb1hooBQg?hl=en |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Google Arts & Culture |language=en}}

Processing of illumination is an important concept in computer vision and computer graphics.