Chiaroscuro
An Italian word meaning "light-dark," a technique artists use to create strong contrasts between light and shadow.
What is it?
Chiaroscuro (kee-ah-roh-SKOO-roh) is a technique where artists use strong contrasts between light and dark to make their paintings look three-dimensional and dramatic. It became very popular during the Baroque period. Artists like Caravaggio and Mattia Preti used it to create intense, emotional scenes. In the painting of Apollo and Marsyas, chiaroscuro makes the figures stand out and adds to the tension of the story.
Why it matters
Chiaroscuro makes paintings feel more real and dramatic. It helps guide your eye to the most important parts of the scene. Understanding this technique helps you appreciate how artists create mood and depth.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more artworks using chiaroscuro.