What is the difference between tenebrism and chiaroscuro? Tenebrism, or dramatic illumination, is used to achieve a spotlight effect. Some areas of the painting are completely black while others are illuminated, usually from a single source of light. Chiaroscuro (kee-AR-ə-SKOOR-oh) is a (less extreme) contrast of light and dark used to create the illusion of three-dimensional form.

The impact of the reformation and counter-reformation on art.

The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses. Over time, it lead to the creation of the two main branches of Protestantism – the Evangelical Lutheran churches, which followed the teachings of Luther, and the Reformed Churches, which followed the teachings of John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli.

The Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation with The Council of Trent, 1545 - 1563, which has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation.

The Reformed Church removed religious imagery, while the Lutheran church and the Council of Trent provided guidance on what type of imagery was appropriate.

Leaguer – a military camp, a siege, see beleaguer. Another word from Lievely's Moon Tiger.

I finally finished Penelope Lively's Moon Tiger. It is a readable, relatable, powerful novel. I am surprised by how good it is. The story is melancholy, and a bit fantastic, and yet it does such a good job of describing the human condition - or rather, capturing some of the emotional complexity of life - that you can't help but nod in agreement. Somehow truth, even when difficult, is reassuring.

The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest surviving complete musical composition.

I reread Martha Wells Exit Strategy, the fourth installment in the Murderbot Diaries series. I can't seem to keep track of how far I have gotten in this series, and as a result, I keep checking out the same volumes. At least, I did not remember much. In all honesty, it is not terribly memorable writing, just a lot of fun.

Defenestration – throwing someone out of a window, e.g, the defenestration of Prague, 1618.