In my diploma thesis I?m attempting to understand light in its various forms. The main goal of this thesis is to explore particular connections, but also differences within the framework of atmospheric lighting construction in film and art images. The first part of the text provides a summary of information about light itself, its perception, dispersion and its influence on the human psyche. It also addresses light and the construction of atmospheric lighting in several historical periods of fine art and cinematography. The following chapters focus on light composition construction as viewed by camera-men. An analysis of a selection of films is used to present specific cinematographic methods, especially those dealing with light. The final part of this thesis explores the work of film artists who were inspired by paintings in which the determining feature was the original artist?s usage of light and atmospheric lighting.