chiaroscuro

[ kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh ]

/ kiˌɑr əˈskyʊər oʊ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for chiaroscuro on Thesaurus.com

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of chiaroscuro

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

Words nearby chiaroscuro

Chianina, Chianti, Chiantishire, Chian turpentine, Chiapas, chiaroscuro, chiasma, chiasmatypy, chiasmus, chiastic, chiastolite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

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