Yes, the Mona Lisa uses chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that involves the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures. Leonardo da Vinci, the artist behind the Mona Lisa, was a master of this technique.
In the Mona Lisa, chiaroscuro is evident in the way the light softly falls on her face, creating a gentle transition between light and shadow. This technique helps to model the forms of her face, giving it a lifelike and three-dimensional appearance. The subtle gradations of light and shadow also contribute to the enigmatic expression that the Mona Lisa is famous for.
Leonardo’s use of chiaroscuro in the Mona Lisa is not as dramatic as in some other works, but it is still a key element that adds depth and realism to the painting. The technique enhances the naturalism of the portrait, making it one of the most celebrated examples of chiaroscuro in art history.