– In art, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark. Also a term for the use of such contrasts to achieve a sense of volume in modelling three-dimensional objects and figures.
“Aren’t you overdoing the chiaroscuro over there?”
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Johannes Vermeer, Girl With A Pearl Earring
chi·a·ro·scu·ro
/kyärəˈsk(y)o͝orō/
noun
Mid 17th century: from Italian, from chiaro ‘clear, bright’ (from Latin clarus ) + oscuro ‘dark, obscure’ (from Latin obscurus ).
Here ends today’s gratuitous Italian lesson.
Yer welcome.