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

The young artist’s work stood out for its unique chiaroscuro, masterfully contrasting light and shadow to create dramatic, three-dimensional images. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

The stunning chiaroscuro visuals draw the audience into a world of Eggers’ gothic nightmare. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025

In a haze of chiaroscuro images, the film envisions post-Thatcher society as a maze of sociological, ideological, and financial dead ends. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1