Which term best describes the artistic technique of depicting depth by using shading?

The term that best describes the artistic technique of depicting depth by using shading is sfumato. This technique, which is most famously associated with artists like Leonardo da Vinci, involves the subtle blending of colors and tones to create soft transitions between light and shadow. This allows for a more realistic representation of forms, giving the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional artwork.

Sfumato effectively conveys the way light interacts with surfaces, enhancing the understanding of volume and form within a composition. By layering colors and using gentle gradations, artists can suggest the effects of atmosphere and light, resulting in a more lifelike portrayal of subjects.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different techniques. Foreshortening pertains to the representation of an object or figure in a picture in depth, where parts of the object are depicted as shorter than they are in reality to give a sense of perspective. Contrapposto refers to a pose in which one part of a body is turned in opposition to another part, implying movement and dynamism. Atmospheric perspective involves using color and clarity to suggest depth, typically by having distant objects appear lighter and less detailed. While these techniques contribute to the overall depiction of depth, sfumato specifically focuses on shading and the blending