chiaroscuro
noun/kiˌɑrəˈskjʊroʊ/
Frequency rank: #19,616 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in a work of art to give the impression of depth and volume.
Example sentence
The painter used chiaroscuro to create a dramatic contrast between light and shadow in the portrait.
Synonyms & related words
- contrast
- shading
- shadowing
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