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Which Venetian painters may have influenced Caravaggio’s use of color and darkness?

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Caravaggio: The Conversion of St. Paul (second version) — Caravaggio *The Conversion of St. Paul* (second version), oil on canvas by Caravaggio, 1601; in Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome.

Caravaggio’s development of his signature style, characterized by dramatic light and shadow, was significantly influenced by Venetian painting. While there is no definitive documentary evidence confirming his travels to Venice, historical accounts—such as those by Giovanni Pietro Bellori—suggest he visited the city and was influenced by the colors of Giorgione.1

Furthermore, scholars identify the works of other Venetian masters as the most convincing prototypes for Caravaggio’s mature style:

Titian: His work, particularly the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, is noted for its dramatic focus on human suffering and its emphatic use of tenebrism, which likely informed Caravaggio’s own approach to extreme contrasts of light and dark.1
Tintoretto: His paintings are also cited as key influences, as he similarly utilized light to define forms, heighten drama, and cast parts of his compositions into shadow.12

These Venetian traditions, which prioritized atmospheric light and emotional intensity, provided a foundational framework for Caravaggio’s own innovative use of chiaroscuro.134