Chiaroscuro

This work is by artist Artemisia Gentileschi named Judith Beheading Holofernes.  This work is a good example of Chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro is when a artist uses light and dark to show a three dimensional surface.  This is used in various places throughout this piece. It is shown on the shoulders of each person in this painting, as well as on the wall, which creates the illusion of a shadow.