SFUMATO Meaning and
Definition
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Sfumato is an Italian term derived from "sfumare," which means "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke." It is a technique used in painting to achieve a soft and gradual transition between colors, edges, and tones.
More specifically, Sfumato refers to a subtle blending and blurring of outlines and contours in artwork, resulting in a delicate and hazy effect. This technique is commonly associated with Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, who popularized its usage in his paintings, most notably in the iconic Mona Lisa.
Sfumato is accomplished by the careful layering of multiple translucent glazes over the initial lines and shapes, gradually veiling and softening them. It aims to create a sense of depth, mystery, and realism in the artwork, mimicking the gradual dissipation of natural light and atmospheric conditions. By minimizing sharp contrasts and eliminating hard lines, Sfumato blurs the distinction between objects and their surroundings, producing a dreamlike and atmospheric quality.
In essence, Sfumato can be seen as a technique that creates a sense of ambiguity and illusion, drawing viewers into the painting and inviting them to explore its subtle nuances. It employs an optical method to convey a more nuanced representation of reality, often associated with the mysterious and enigmatic qualities found in Renaissance portraiture.
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In paint., having the tints so blended that the outline is scarcely perceptible, the whole presenting an indistinct misty appearance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SFUMATO
- afumato
- zfumato
- xfumato
- dfumato
- efumato
- wfumato
- sdumato
- scumato
- svumato
- sgumato
- stumato
- srumato
- sfymato
- sfhmato
- sfjmato
- sfimato
- sf8mato
- sf7mato
- sfunato
- sfukato
Etymology of SFUMATO
The word "sfumato" is derived from the Italian term "sfumare", which translates to "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke". It comes from the Latin word "fumare", meaning "to smoke". The term was first used by Italian Renaissance artists, particularly Leonardo da Vinci, to describe a technique employed in painting, where colors and tones are subtly blended together to create a soft and hazy effect. Over time, "sfumato" has become a recognized term in art history and is now used more broadly to describe any blurred or smoky appearance.
Similar spelling words for SFUMATO
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