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

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

From New York Times

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

A vase of flowers divided into light and dark illustrates the chiaroscuro quality of human nature.

From New York Times

His vision of grand halls with chiaroscuro interplay of sunlight and shadow clashed with some members of the oversight board.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• cloudy
• leafy
• shaded
• shadowy