noun
chiaroscuro
kee-ar-uh-SKYOOR-oh/kiˌɑːrəˈskʊrəʊ/
The use of strong contrasts between light and darkness for artistic effect.
The still life uses chiaroscuro to contrast the illuminated pear with deep shadows.
Etymology
Literally 'bright-dark,' the compound names the arrangement of light and darkness in a picture. Their opposition is the central idea behind the artistic use of strong tonal contrasts.
In context
caravaggio as a major influence they used his techniques of chiaroscuro which was using bright lights and dark darks
More examples
- Strong chiaroscuro gives the scene dramatic depth.
- She studies the artist's use of chiaroscuro.
- The photograph relies on chiaroscuro rather than vivid color.
Forms
chiaroscuro
Similar words
- contrast
- Contrast is any marked difference; chiaroscuro specifically organizes light and dark in art.