chiaroscuro
the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
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.
a woodcut print in which the colors are produced by the use of different blocks with different colors.
a sketch in light and shade.
Origin of chiaroscuro
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use chiaroscuro in a sentence
He had been celebrated for his chiaroscuros at Rome: at Naples and Messina he attempted colour.
The life and writings of Henry Fuseli, Volume III (of 3) | Henry FuseliThis study includes an illustrated catalog of Jacksons chiaroscuros and color prints.
John Baptist Jackson | Jacob KainenMost judgments were based on the Venetian chiaroscuros and depended upon the quality of impressions, many of which are poor.
John Baptist Jackson | Jacob KainenWhile producing wallpaper, Jackson still made efforts to attract sponsors for full editions of his earlier chiaroscuros.
John Baptist Jackson | Jacob KainenPierre Gusman51 in 1916 probably first noted the technical distinction between Jacksons work and earlier chiaroscuros.
John Baptist Jackson | Jacob Kainen
British Dictionary definitions for chiaroscuro
/ (kɪˌɑːrəˈskʊərəʊ) /
the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture
monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille
Origin of chiaroscuro
1Derived forms of chiaroscuro
- chiaroscurist, noun
- chiaroscurism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse