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What is raking light?
Why is raking light important?
How does raking light affect a painting?
What are some examples of raking light?
Raking light, the illumination of objects from a light source at an oblique angle or almost parallel to the surface, provides information on the surface topography and relief of the artefact thus lit. It is widely used in the examination of works of art.
- Examples of Raking Light
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Below are some examples of raking light, starting with a 17th century still life titled Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán. Raking light illuminates the fruit from the left-hand side and leaves the other side in shadow. The contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic mood and interesting shapes. Also, notice how the ...
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Raking light is a technique in which a painting is illuminated from one side only, at an oblique angle in relation to its surface. Raking light is used to reveal a painting’s surface texture. Raised paint surfaces facing the light are illuminated, while those facing away create shadows.
Raking light means a band of light running parallel to the surface, or at a very narrow angle to the surface. It is necessary that this band be condensed by lenses and be well defined in order to obtain a contrast between the illuminated areas and those remaining in shadow.
Raking light. Looking at a painting in 'raking light' simply means looking at it with the light shining from an acute angle rather than from the front, so shadows will be cast where the surface is not perfectly smooth.
Raking Light. Simply placing a light at an oblique angle to a painting can reveal information clearly. Raking light is often used to document craqeulure, cupping or tenting paint, uneven tension in a canvas, or warp in a painting on a panel support.
Raking light, the illumination of objects from a light source at an oblique angle or almost parallel to the surface, provides information on the surface topography and relief of the artefact thus lit. It is widely used in the examination of works of art.
