chiaroscuro

chiaroscuro Definition

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

noun pl. chiaroscuros -·ros

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

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

Related Forms:

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.

chiaroscuro Quotes

Mandalay has its name; the falling cadence of the lovely word has gathered about itself the chiaroscuro of romance.

—Maugham,W(illiam) Somerset

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