This book by the outstanding art historian Ernst Gombrich examines the features of the depiction of shadows in Western painting. The author draws our attention to something that usually eludes the viewer's eye: why do shadows appear on paintings only occasionally and why does the artist use them? Since the Renaissance, in some cases masters emphasized their sharpness, in others they deliberately avoided depicting them. Using the example of famous paintings, the author shows how painters and graphic artists of different directions - from romanticism and impressionism to surrealism - used shadows to make the image more realistic or drama. Considering the perception of shadows in mythology and Western philosophy, Gombrich analyzes the factors that determine their appearance: shape, location, light source, and the position of the viewer. The book is intended for a wide range of readers and anyone interested in the history of art.