Chiaroscuro is a method for applying value to a two-dimensional piece of artwork to create the illusion of a three-dimensional solid form.

The term is derived from the Italian chiaro ("light” or “bright”) and oscuro ("dark") and generally refers to a technique that contrasts bright illumination with areas of dense shadow.

CHIAROSCURO

This way of working was devised during the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century and was used by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and later, Vermeer. Chiaroscuro is seldom found in pre-Renaissance or in non-Western art. 

Portrait of a Lady from the Court of Milan, called La Belle Ferronniere,"

Leonardo da Vinci

1490-95

Lady with an Ermine

Da Vinci

1483-1490

Mona Lisa also known as La Gioconda, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo; 1503-06 Oil on wood, Louvre, Paris

Ginevra de' Benci Oil on wood, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

"Benois Madonna," Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1478  

About his technique, he said: I would remind you O Painter! To dress your figures in the lightest colors you can, since, if you put them in dark colors, they will be in too slight relief and inconspicuous from a distance. And this is because the shadows of all objects are dark. And if you make a dress dark there is little variety between the lights and shadows, while in light colors there will be greater variety.

The Girl with a Pearl Earring 47x40 1665

The Milkmaid1658-60

Woman in Blue reading a Letter 1662-64

Woman with a Water JugNew York, Metropolitan Museum46x42 1664-65

The Love Letter 44x381669-70

Mrs. Joshua Montgomery Sears 1899 Oil on canvas

NAME:PERIOD:HOMEROOM

Component Grading for Chiaroscuro Figure

possible

1. Cropped to touch 3 sides 25 interesting negative space2. Shows Movement 153. Use of Greek figure proportions 20 looks real - not like a cartoon4. Use of Media & Material to show 20

Highlight & Shadow (Chiaroscuro) shows at least 5 values(D,MD,M,ML,L)

5. Presentation (overall look) 20

TOTAL POINTS 100