chiaroscuro

American  

[kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh] / kiˌɑr əˈskyʊər oʊ /

noun

plural

chiaroscuros

1. the distribution of light and shade in a picture.

2. 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.

3. a woodcut print in which the colors are produced by the use of different blocks with different colors.

4. a sketch in light and shade.

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chiaroscuro British  

/ kɪˌɑːrəˈskʊərəʊ /

noun

1. the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture

2. monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille

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Other Word Forms

• chiaroscurism noun
• chiaroscurist noun

Etymology

Origin of chiaroscuro

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

Example Sentences

The intense chiaroscuro evokes the mysticism of William Blake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Like her day-to-day life, it is a work of chiaroscuro, a portrait of extremes: roses and guns.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

The dramatic scenes are shot in chiaroscuro and in warm, expressive light so the character is always the focal point of lighting and photography.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2023

The production’s design grows in artistry as the scene moves to the Parisian streets, with painterly scrims that have the charm of an animated film and lighting by Justin Townsend that introduces gorgeous chiaroscuro effects.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2022

Art and Archaeology is murkier and more velvety than last year, and filled with impasto and chiaroscuro.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• cloudy
• leafy
• shaded
• shadowy