Clairobscur

Clairobscur is the French term for the art concept widely known as chiaroscuro. It describes a range of techniques and approaches that employ pronounced contrasts between light and shadow to model form, create depth, and heighten drama. In French, the term is typically written clair-obscur or clair-obscur, with accents and a hyphen; in English, chiaroscuro is the common form. The name comes from Italian chiaro (light) and scuro (dark).

Historically, clair-obscur emerged in the Baroque era as artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt used light to direct the viewer’s attention, reveal texture, and sculpt figures within a darkened space. The method evolved to various degrees of contrast and softness across periods, influencing painting, drawing, and printmaking. In the 19th and 20th centuries, photographers and filmmakers adapted the concept to lighting strategies that emphasize volume and mood, from high-contrast to low-key illumination.

Today, clair-obscur remains a fundamental principle in visual arts and design. It informs painting, photography, cinema, theater lighting, and even digital media where light and shadow are used to guide perception and storytelling. The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe scenes with moral ambiguity, revelation, or secrecy.

See also: chiaroscuro.