- If you look closely at the portrait you will see the subtle usage of sfumato around the edges.
Sfumato
noun; derivation
subtle and minute gradation of tone and color used to blur or veil the contours
Etymology : < It, ptp. Of sfumare 'to gradate tone or color' < L ex- + fumare 'to smoke'
Source : Museum tour guide
Last modified: 10 June 2008