chiaroscuro
/ˌkja.rosˈku.ro/masculine
The English phrase chiaroscuro is expressed in Italian as chiaroscuro.
chiaroscuro is a masculine noun referring to an artistic technique using exaggerated light contrasts.
Meaning: artistic technique using exaggerated light contrasts (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ˌkja.rosˈku.ro/.
Did you know?
- In Italian music terminology, the concept of chiaroscuro is sometimes used to describe the tonal quality of a voice or instrument that possesses both brightness and depth.
- The word chiaroscuro describes more than just painting. In Italian, it can be used metaphorically to describe a person's temperament or a situation that has both positive and negative aspects.
- The term is inextricably linked to Leonardo da Vinci, who developed sfumato. While chiaroscuro uses bold contrast, sfumato creates a smoky transition between light and dark to avoid harsh outlines.
Examples in context
- Il chiaroscuro in questo quadro è incredibile.The chiaroscuro in this painting is incredible.
- L'artista studia il chiaroscuro per dare profondità.The artist studies chiaroscuro to give depth.
- Questo disegno usa un chiaroscuro molto marcato.This drawing uses a very marked chiaroscuro.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are looking at an art book in a gallery.
- ChiaraGuarda come usa il chiaroscuro qui.Look how he uses chiaroscuro here.
- FrancescoSì, il chiaroscuro crea un effetto drammatico.Yes, the chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect.
- ChiaraFrancesco, trovo questo stile molto affascinante.Francesco, I find this style very fascinating.
- FrancescoHai ragione, è un'opera bellissima.You are right, it is a beautiful work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chiaroscuro” translations and entries chiaroscuro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
