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 chiaroscuro style is evident in the masquerade ball scene. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2024

Constructed out of monochromatic materials and lit in a dappled, chiaroscuro style that recalls German Expressionist film, the pictures have an eerie beauty that belies their staid subject matter. —Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 27 July 2024

Romanticism links the haunted chiaroscuro of 18th century Gothic fiction with the swirling emotionality of 20th century Expressionism, and each influence is part of the show’s palette. —Judy Berman, TIME, 1 July 2024

That is because constitutional law is inherently more chiaroscuro than prime colors. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1