chiaroscuro

(kē är′ə sko̵or′ō, -skyo̵or′-)

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

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

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See chiaroscuro in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. chi·a·ro·scu·ros In all senses also called claire-obscure.

The technique of using light and shade in pictorial representation.
The arrangement of light and dark elements in a pictorial work of art.
a. A woodcut technique in which several blocks are used to print different shades of a color.
b. A woodcut print made by this technique.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: : chiaro, bright, light (from Latin clārus, clear; see kelə-² in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + oscuro, dark (from Latin obscūrus; see (s)keu- in Indo-European roots)

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