Chiaroscuro is a technique used in visual arts, particularly painting and drawing, that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. The term comes from the Italian words "chiaro" meaning light or clear, and "scuro" meaning dark or obscure. This method enhances the dramatic effect of a piece by highlighting certain areas while casting others into shadow, thereby guiding the viewer's eye and emphasizing the contours and shapes of the subjects portrayed.
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