Did you know that 'chiaroscuro' is actually Italian?

'Chiaroscuro' is a word borrowed from Italian 'chiaro oscuro'. The word entered the English language some time around 1686.

chiaroscuro [noun] [1686]

• pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color
• the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art
• the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character)
• a 16th century woodcut technique involving the use of several blocks to print different tones of the same color

See 'chiaroscuro' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Italian.

Etymology: Italian, from 'chiaro' clear, light + 'oscuro' obscure, dark

See more loan words from 1600s.