A technical dictionary of printmaking, André Béguin.
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Chiaroscuro
[1] The term is generally used to denote a way of representing a lighting effect using light and shade. Chiaroscuro (camaieu) was first used in the Italian quattrocento (15th century) when it replaced the even lighting used in medieval painting. The word is derived from Italian.
[2] In painting chiaroscuro designates paintings done in different shades of the same colour. Such paintings are done using greenish, pink, or brown colours and must be distinguished from the grisaille paintings which are confined to the use of various shades of black and white.
[3] In print making chiaroscuro is a term used to designate colour woodcuts which were made as of the 16th century by superimposing several blocks. In the beginning only two blocks were used, the first being the line block and the second a tone block. The use of two blocks and the white of the paper gave the woodcut three different colours. The most famous of these chiaroscuro prints are those made by Cranach and Baldung Grien. Ugo Carpi later perfected this technique when, around 1512, he used four or five plates to print his work. [ * wood].
[4] Lithographic chiaroscuro was practiced by Engelmann and his school as of 1818. In order to achieve lithographic chiaroscuro several stones were used and superimposed when printed. [* lithography].
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