chiaroscuro

[ kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh ]

/ kiˌɑr əˈskyʊər oʊ /

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Definition of chiaroscuro

noun, plural chi·a·ro·scu·ros.

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.

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Origin of chiaroscuro

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

Words nearby chiaroscuro

Chianti, Chiantishire, Chian turpentine, Chiapas, Chiari's syndrome, chiaroscuro, chiasma, chiasmatypy, chiasmus, chiastic, chiastolite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use chiaroscuro in a sentence

Beneath the rib vault of the exquisite cloister, sculpted marble columns and round apertures paint a stunning natural chiaroscuro.
In France, Narbonne takes a turn in the international spotlight|Sylvie Bigar|October 29, 2021|Washington Post
This chiaroscuro portrait, intended only to sell underwear, comes alarmingly close to capturing the man.
Will the Real Jim Palmer Please Stand Up|Tom Boswell|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They all deal with questions of technique, on effects of light and shadow, on the mystery of chiaroscuro.
The History of Modern Painting, Volume 1 (of 4)|Richard Muther
His colouring is of an amazing softness, depth, and strength; his chiaroscuro is warm and vaporous.
The History of Modern Painting, Volume 1 (of 4)|Richard Muther

But none of this character is assisted by the colouring, or the chiaroscuro.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 54, No. 334, August 1843|Various
And in the Flemish school, Rubens and Vandyke made their designs for the most part either in colours or in chiaroscuro.
Seven Discourses on Art|Joshua Reynolds
In the decoration of this Correggio surpassed himself in his mastery of chiaroscuro and the foreshortening of the human figure.
Cathedral Cities of Italy|William Wiehe Collins

British Dictionary definitions for chiaroscuro

chiaroscuro

/ (kɪˌɑːrəˈskʊərəʊ) /

noun plural -ros

the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture

monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille

Derived forms of chiaroscuro

chiaroscurist, nounchiaroscurism, noun

Word Origin for chiaroscuro

C17: from Italian, from chiaro clear + oscuro obscure

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

chiaroscuro

Definition of chiaroscuro

Origin of chiaroscuro

Words nearby chiaroscuro

Words related to chiaroscuro

How to use chiaroscuro in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for chiaroscuro

Derived forms of chiaroscuro

Word Origin for chiaroscuro