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Chiaroscuro - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and drama in paintings or drawings, often seen in Renaissance and Baroque art.

chiaroscuro

/kiˌɑrəˈskjʊroʊ/ /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊərəʊ/

Definition:

The contrast of light and shadow in art to create depth or drama.

Synonyms:

shading, contrast, light and shadow, tonal variation

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

flatness, uniformity

Common Collocations:

dramatic chiaroscuro, strong chiaroscuro, chiaroscuro effect, masterful chiaroscuro

Derivatives:

chiaroscurist, chiaroscurism

Usage Tips:

Use "chiaroscuro" to describe striking light-dark contrasts in paintings or photography for dramatic effect.

Common Phrases:

play of light and shadow, high contrast lighting, Rembrandt lighting

Etymology:

From Italian "chiaro" (light) + "scuro" (dark), first used in Renaissance art terminology.

Examples:

  • 1. The artist used chiaroscuro to highlight the subject's face against a dark background.
  • 2. Rembrandt’s portraits are famous for their dramatic chiaroscuro effects.
  • 3. The photograph’s chiaroscuro created a moody and intense atmosphere.
  • 4. She studied how Caravaggio mastered chiaroscuro in his Baroque paintings.

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