What is tenebrism characterized by?

Tenebrism is characterized by a technique that emphasizes stark contrasts between light and dark, often creating dramatic lighting effects. This style retains vast areas of deep shadow while illuminating selected parts of the subject, bringing a heightened sense of depth and drama to the artwork. The interplay of light and shadow not only directs the viewer's attention to specific focal points but also enhances the emotional intensity of the composition.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe tenebrism. A light-filled aesthetic with soft hues would suggest a more gentle and diffused use of light, which is not what tenebrism conveys. Bright, flat colors focus more on a vibrant color palette rather than the sharp light and dark contrasts central to tenebrism. Finally, the use of only monochromatic colors does not align with tenebrism, as this technique specifically involves contrasting light against deep shadows, rather than limiting the palette to a single color scheme. Thus, option B effectively captures the essence of tenebrism.