chiaroscuro

2 definitions found

chiaroscuro - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chiaroscuro \Chia`ro*scu"ro\, Chiaro-oscuro \Chi*a"ro-os*cu"ro\,
     n. [It., clear dark.]
     (a) The arrangement of light and dark parts in a work of art,
         such as a drawing or painting, whether in monochrome or
         in color.
     (b) The art or practice of so arranging the light and dark
         parts as to produce a harmonious effect. Cf.
         Clair-obscur.
         [1913 Webster] Chiasm

chiaroscuro - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  chiaroscuro
      n 1: a monochrome picture made by using several different shades
           of the same color