The Quality of the Light
 (Johannes Vermeer & Caravaggio)

The control of light quality is an essential element in photographic creation, both for still images and motion pictures. The practice of lighting involves mastering the observation and understanding of light's physics. Art history describes the treatment of light and shadow in realist painting as one of the key components of visual communication.

Generally speaking, there is a significant visual difference between specular light and diffuse light (1), as well as between direct sunlight and the light on a cloudy day. Caravaggio’s (2) paintings exemplify hard light, while Vermeer’s (4) are characterised by soft light. Caravaggio created a strong contrast between light and shadow, while Vermeer depicted a smooth transition between different luminosities in the bright and dark areas of his paintings.

Filmography about these artists visually illustrates their unique understanding of light. The film Caravaggio (4) shows how the painter illuminated his scenes using mirrors to direct sunlight into the room. Meanwhile, Girl with a Pearl Earring (5) explores Vermeer’s perception of light and shadow through the camera obscura. The novel (6), upon which the film is based, even describes how the cleanliness of the windows can alter the quality of light.