Answer the following question in 3-4 complete sentences. Define the term sfumato. Name the above fresco and its artist. Explain how the artist used sfumato in his/her piece.

Answer:

Sfumato is a painting technique in which colors and tones blend gradually, creating soft transitions rather than sharp outlines. The fresco is The Assumption of the Virgin by Antonio da Correggio. Correggio used sfumato to soften the edges of the clouds and figures and blend them into the surrounding light. This creates a hazy, heavenly atmosphere and makes the scene seem to swirl upward.