Chiaroscuro is a painting technique, developed during the Renaissance, which uses strong tonal contrasts between the three-dimensional forms of light and dark for the model, often for dramatic effects. The underlying principle is that the solidity of the shape is best achieved by the light that falls against it. Artists known for developing the technique include Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Rembrandt. It is a fundamental element of black and white and low photography.
In summary, we can say that in painting and drawing, artists often use the chiaroscuro technique to describe how shadows and light define the mass of forms.
