Selecting Tonal Range

Low Key

A low key painting is dominated by values closer to black, while highlights tend to be in the mid-tone range rather than white. Due to this, detail is often lost within the shadows where there is no light, and therefore no color or detail. The light source is usually a small directional light such as a candle or other flame or artificial light source. Or it may be indirect sunlight coming through an opening such as a window.

Femme FellahNotice here in "Femme Fellah" by Gerome how the left side of the girl's face is lost in the shadows, while even the white wrap about her head is dominated by cool grays on the light side.

Go to the enlargements of these pieces by clicking them in order to get a better look at the handling of the shadows.

Such intense lighting adds drama to a scene and is often used in works of emotional intensity. Leonardo da Vinci uses this effect in his "St. John the Baptist" of 1513-16. This work is also notable in its limited palette and warm hues.St. John the Baptist

Hendrijke Stoffels in BedAfter the Renaissance, this effect was mastered by those working in Chiaroscuro, such as the artist, Carravagio, and in the North, Rembrandt. Rembrandt's painting of "Hendrijke Stoffels in Bed," shown here, demonstrates the predominance of shadow and the loss of detail in those areas. Such a work also displays the art of "lost edges," where the form blends into the shadows and is not marked by a strong outline.

Painter's HoneymoonIn this detail from "Painter's Honeymoon," Frederick Lord Leighton of the Royal Academy of England presents sentimental romanticism diffused in the soft shadows of an artist's home. While reflected light seems to illumine the face of the young bride, her husband remains lost in the shadows, the details of his person imperceptible.

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