Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

chiaroscuro

noun

/ˌkiː.ə.rəˈskjʊər.oʊ/

Definition

Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.

Examples

The painter mastered chiaroscuro, bringing depth to his portraits.
In photography, chiaroscuro can enhance the mood of the image by highlighting specific features.
Many artists of the Renaissance utilized chiaroscuro to add realism to their compositions.

Meaning

The term is derived from the Italian words ‘chiaro’ meaning ‘clear’ or ‘light’, and ‘scuro’ meaning ‘dark’. It refers to the use of light and shadow to create a dramatic effect in art and photography.