Sfumato is an Italian term for graduations of light and shadow to produce a hazy effect. This painting is by Correggio called, Assumption of the Virgin. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s spotlighting effects of illumination of sfumato, Correggio used sfumato to create a dreamlike effect in his fresco. The light at the top appears to filter down through the clouds among the shadows and figures. Although the objects are defined and recognizable, there is still an overall haze and blend across the entire image.
