The technique was introduced by the Italian painter Caravaggio (1571–1610) and was taken up in the early 17th century by painters influenced by him, including the French painter Georges de La Tour, the Dutch painters Gerrit van Honthorst and Hendrik Terbrugghen, and the Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbarán.

What artists use tenebrism in works?

The Baroque painter Caravaggio popularized the use of tenebrism in the Baroque era, and tenebrism is most often associated with Caravaggio and Baroque painting. The use of tenebrism can make a composition feel more mysterious and dramatic.

Is tenebrism a Baroque?

Baroque peak: Tenebrism peaked in the Baroque era and did not sustain into other eras of art history. The similar chiaroscuro technique, however, remained popular in various genres from neoclassicism to romanticism.