chiaroscuro

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

|Updated on: 30 Jul 2018

Definition of chiaroscuro

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

Recent Examples of chiaroscuro from the Web

While there is great beauty in the chiaroscuro interplay between his expressionistic dissonances and Renaissance-style harmonies, his works never build toward resolution or transfiguration.

— New York Times, "Cancer Haunts a Composer’s Life and Work," 3 June 2018
Every choice seems as extreme as possible, from the cut of the costumes (by Clint Ramos) to the chiaroscuro lighting (by Rui Rita).

— jesse green, New York Times, "Review: Downtown Renewal Means Trouble in ‘Paradise Blue’," 14 May 2018
Distorting the view with chiaroscuro lighting and wide-lens camerawork, the filmmaker and DP Larry Manda also persist in using diagonal shots, with characters and their relationship with their setting frequently thrown out of joint.

— clarence tsui, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Season of the Devil' ('Ang Panahon ng Halimaw'): Film Review | Berlin 2018," 20 Feb. 2018
This is a certain style of photography called chiaroscuro, which used to fascinate me as a kid.

— isobel thompson, A-LIST, "Jack Cardiff: “The Man Who Made Women Look Beautiful”," 6 Sep. 2017
Looking for a little chiaroscuro to light up your Thanksgiving weekend?

— booth moore, The Hollywood Reporter, "Fendi Brings Caravaggio to the Getty Center," 20 Nov. 2017
The film’s title evokes one of Mr. Joseph’s critical influences: the photographer Roy DeCarava, renowned for his chiaroscuro images of Harlem life and culture.

— daniel mcdermon, New York Times, "Kahlil Joseph’s New Film Is Steeped in Harlem’s History. And His Own.," 31 Oct. 2017
The sequel, scheduled for February 2017, indeed contains intrigue, an assassination plot, gun-slinging, and a lot of confused feelings, which the as-yet-unnamed director will be sure to play up with some chiaroscuro and tremolo on the soundtrack.

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "'Fifty Shades' Producer to Thirsty Henry Cavill Fans: Cool Your Loins," 22 Sep. 2015
Compare this to ateliers like Valentino, who pride themselves on the hundreds upon hundreds of hours their petites mains spend pinning and embroidering and beading and chiaroscuro-ing mink onto a single couture dress.

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "Don't Call It a Comeback: How Crocs Changed the Flow of Fashion," 13 Oct. 2017

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.