chiaroscuro

noun

chiar·oscu·ro kē-ˌär-ə-ˈskyu̇r-(ˌ)ō

-ˈsku̇r-

plural chiaroscuros

: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color

: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

The artist uses chiaroscuro to create the perception of depth in a two-dimensional work.

: the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)

: a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

also : a print made by this technique

: the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface

a spotlight revealing a chiaroscuro of ridges and craters on a mountainside

: the quality of being veiled or partly in shadow

Examples of chiaroscuro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jewel tones and chiaroscuro styling don’t seem like an obvious fit for a story that earnestly imagines a little boy having his heart injected with gasoline. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 June 2024 He was particularly known for using a technique called chiaroscuro, which is essentially the dramatic contrast between light and dark. —

Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024 His chiaroscuro technique, which uses light and darkness for depth and has been compared to Rembrandt’s and Caravaggio’s, quickly won the admiration of King George III and other British nobles. —

María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2024 Her abiding interest in textiles was also evident in her choice of a chiaroscuro palette intended to reflect life’s experiences and its nuances, providing wisdom and experience that is visible in every garment in her collection. —

Sennait Ghebreab, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chiaroscuro

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chiaroscuro.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.