chiaroscuro Hear it!

chiaroscuro Definition

chia·ro·scuro (kē är′ə sko̵or′ō, -skyo̵or′-)

noun pl. -·ros

  1. light and shade in a painting, drawing, etc. treated so as to produce the illusion of depth, a dramatic effect, etc.
  2. a style of painting, drawing, etc. emphasizing this
  3. a painting, drawing, etc. in which chiaroscuro is used

Etymology: It, lit., clear dark < L clarus, clear + obscurus, dark: see obscure

chiaroscuro Related Forms

chia′·ro·scu′·rist noun

chiaroscuro Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • dramatic: The act was further enhanced by the trickery of lighting contrasts which brought to mind the effect of dramatic chiaroscuro.
  • stark: High contrast, stark, lunar, chiaroscuro, sharp and brittle.

Modifies a noun

  • lighting: It is a sinister work, enhanced by brilliant chiaroscuro lighting, compellingly performed by a superb cast on opening night.
  • woodcut: In 1999-2000 he received an AHRB grant to investigate the influence of 16th century chiaroscuro woodcuts on contemporary tonal woodblock printing.
  • technique: Black gesso is particularly useful when working with a chiaroscuro technique.

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