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Chiaroscuro

//ˌkjɑɹəˈsk(j)ʊɹoʊ// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective

1
Possessing the qualities of a work of chiaroscuro. figuratively
"It has been a very chiaroscuro day—lots of sunlight and shadow."

Noun

1
An artistic technique developed during the Renaissance, referring to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark in order to create the illusion of volume. countable, uncountable
2
a monochrome picture made by using several different shades of the same color wordnet
3
A monochrome picture made by using several different shades of the same color. countable, uncountable
4
A woodcut technique in which several woodcut blocks are used to print different shades of a color, or a woodcut print made by this technique. countable, uncountable
5
A photographic technique in which one side of the subject, for example a face, is well lit and the other is in shadow. countable, uncountable

Etymology

Etymology 1

Mid-17th century, borrowed from Italian chiaroscuro, from chiaro (“clear, bright”) + oscuro (“dark, obscure”).

Etymology 2

Mid-17th century, borrowed from Italian chiaroscuro, from chiaro (“clear, bright”) + oscuro (“dark, obscure”).

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