chiaroscuro

[ kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh ]

noun

, plural chi·a·ro·scu·ros.

1. the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
2. Painting. the use of deep variations in and subtle gradations of light and shade, especially to enhance the delineation of character and for general dramatic effect:

   Rembrandt is a master of chiaroscuro.

3. a woodcut print in which the colors are produced by the use of different blocks with different colors.
4. a sketch in light and shade.

chiaroscuro

/ kɪˌɑːrəˈskʊərəʊ /

noun

1. the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture
2. monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille

Derived Forms

• chiˌaroˈscurism, noun
• chiˌaroˈscurist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiaroscuro¹

1680–90; < Italian, equivalent to chiaro bright (< Latin clārus ) + oscuro dark (< Latin obscūrus ). See clear, obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiaroscuro¹

C17: from Italian, from chiaro clear + oscuro obscure

Example Sentences

Beneath the rib vault of the exquisite cloister, sculpted marble columns and round apertures paint a stunning natural chiaroscuro.

From Washington Post

This chiaroscuro portrait, intended only to sell underwear, comes alarmingly close to capturing the man.

From The Daily Beast

They all deal with questions of technique, on effects of light and shadow, on the mystery of chiaroscuro.

From Project Gutenberg

His colouring is of an amazing softness, depth, and strength; his chiaroscuro is warm and vaporous.

From Project Gutenberg

But none of this character is assisted by the colouring, or the chiaroscuro.

From Project Gutenberg

And in the Flemish school, Rubens and Vandyke made their designs for the most part either in colours or in chiaroscuro.

From Project Gutenberg

In the decoration of this Correggio surpassed himself in his mastery of chiaroscuro and the foreshortening of the human figure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cloudy
• leafy
• shaded
• shadowy