Low key as a term used in describing paintings or photographs is related to but not the same as low-key lighting in cinema or photography. A photographic image, painting or movie can be defined as "low-keyly" if its dominant values are black, dark brown or dark blue. Some authors describe the term "low key" as the so-called Rembrandian light while others describe how to obtain such photographs or paintings.
See also High key Tenebrism
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