chiaroscuro

/kɪˌɑːɹəˈskʊəɹəʊ/

chiaroscuro

English Noun

Definition

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.

Etymology

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