Chiaroscuro

The term Chiaroscuro originates from Italian, which mean light-dark. This term is used in art for the contrast between light and dark. This is used to show bold contrast in the picture that affects the whole picture, however this is used mostly by artist and artist historians for effects representing contrast of light to achieve a sense of a three dimensional figure, such as the human body.

Chiaroscuro is also used in Cinematography to indicate the low areas of light and darkness that are in a film, this has mostly been done in black and white films such as "The Hunch Back Of Notre Dam" 1939. However the best example of Chiaroscuro, in the world of modern film making is "Cinema Paradiso" directed by Giuseppe Tornator.



In terms of Photography, Chiaroscuro is often effected by the "Rembrandt Lighting". Although in an high photography process, the term "Rembrandt Lighting" is usually called ambient or natural lighting. However this does not enable it to look naturalistic.



Crucifixion of St. Peter by Caravaggio