chiaroscuro

noun

chiar·​oscu·​ro kē-ˌär-ə-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō 

-ˈsku̇r-

plural chiaroscuros

1

: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color

2

a

: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

The artist uses chiaroscuro to create the perception of depth in a two-dimensional work.

b

: the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)

3

: a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

also : a print made by this technique

4

: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface

a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside

5

: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Examples of chiaroscuro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Capturing the beautiful chiaroscuro of light and shadows, the scent is a powdery floral with mineral notes to represent the glow of the midnight sun. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Blaschke’s camerawork is spellbinding — fluid, graceful and maleficent in its command of chiaroscuro lighting, threatening shadows and the dense soup of darkness. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024

Part of Eastwood’s enduring appeal as an actor has always been his awareness of just how much to withhold from his audience, and the chiaroscuro lighting in his pictures is an extension of this idea, as his characters are rarely viewed in their entirety. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024

Speaking of technique, individual techniques — sfumato, chiaroscuro and whatnot — are explained and accompanied by reenactments of active artisanal hands engaged in those particular processes. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1