They are known for their use of chiaroscuro.
Francisco de Zurbaran and Caravaggio were known for their
masterful use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong tonal contrasts
between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms. Caravaggio made the
chiaroscuro dominant stylistic element in his art, and his dramatic use of
chiaroscuro came to be known as tenebrism. Zurbaran also used chiaroscuro as dominant
technique in which he excelled, which is why he gained the nickname Spanish
Caravaggio.
