chiaroscuro

[ kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh ]

noun

, plural chi·a·ro·scu·ros.

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.

chiaroscuro

/ 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

Derived Forms

• chiˌaroˈscurism, noun
• chiˌaroˈscurist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiaroscuro¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiaroscuro¹

C17: from Italian, from chiaro clear + oscuro obscure

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

It’s a good thing that Jagannathan and Brown have training in the theater: They imbue Priya and Nic’s densely verbal jousts, dodges and truths with compelling chiaroscuro hues.

From New York Times

In that chiaroscuro environment, reminiscent of the landscapes and photographs of the Mexican writer Juan Rulfo, Escobedo developed his sensitivity toward images, and the need to find his roots.

From Los Angeles Times

In later books like “Chiaroscuro: Essays on Identity” and “Their Other Side: Six American Women and the Lure of Italy,” Ms. Barolini returned to the subjects and themes that propelled “Umbertina.”

From New York Times

In both men’s work, chiaroscuro laughs come hand in hand with personal catastrophe.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cloudy
• leafy
• shaded
• shadowy