Answer the following question in 3-4 complete sentences. How has the artist used light to create a desired affect in this piece? What do you hypothesize the source of the light to be and why?

Answer:

The artist uses strong chiaroscuro, contrasting a bright beam of light with the surrounding darkness. This directs attention to the people at the table and creates a dramatic, mysterious, and almost spiritual effect. The light appears to come through the upper window because it forms a clear diagonal beam across the room. However, its unusual intensity and symbolic focus may also suggest divine light guiding or calling the figures.