How did Caravaggio use tenebrism in his paintings?

Caravaggio, a pivotal figure in the history of Western painting, introduced and mastered the technique of tenebrism—a dramatic form of chiaroscuro characterized by extreme contrasts between light and dark.21

In his compositions, Caravaggio used tenebrism to achieve several artistic and emotional effects:

• Isolation and Focus: He employed a harsh, searching beam of light to isolate figures against a background of intense, engulfing darkness. This technique effectively strips away unnecessary detail, forcing the viewer to focus on essential elements such as facial expressions or specific gestures, like an outflung arm or a look of despair.2345
• Three-Dimensionality: By using light to illuminate figures while leaving their surroundings in shadow, he heightened the three-dimensional form of his subjects, giving them a visceral, tangible presence.2
• Emotional Intensity: The dramatic lighting served to heighten the emotional tension of his scenes, transforming biblical narratives into immediate, human dramas. By staging these events in humble, often modern settings, he emphasized the common humanity and poverty of his subjects, such as Christ, the Apostles, and saints.415

This innovative use of light became a hallmark of his style and profoundly influenced the course of Baroque art.16