tenebrism

From the Italian word tenebroso (“shadowy”), the use of extreme contrast of light and shadow to create a dramatic effect  in a painting, drawing or print.

caravaggio_-_david_con_la_testa_di_golia

Caravaggio. David with the Head of Goliath. Oil on canvas. Ca. 1607-10.  Galleria Borghese, Rome.