chiaroscuro

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noun chiar·oscu·ro \-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō, -ˈsku̇r-\

Definition of chiaroscuro

plural

-ros

1 : pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color
2a : 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

Recent Examples of chiaroscuro from the Web

Within the multi-level retail complex, the range of lighting goes from moody shadow to dramatic chiaroscuro and bright sunlight.

— alastair gordon, miamiherald, "It’s hard to love a mall. Brickell City Centre may be the exception.," 12 May 2017
The author has a gift for creating chiaroscuro portraits, capturing both light and dark.

— jennifer senior, New York Times, "Here Comes the Sun," 29 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chiaroscuro.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.