chiaroscuro

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the artistic use of strong contrasts between light and dark to model form or create dramatic effect

   The portrait's chiaroscuro gives the face a sculptural depth.

Simplified etymology

Chiaroscuro was borrowed from Italian in the mid-17th century and means “bright-dark.”

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

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
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