What does the term chiaroscuro mean in art?

Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth in a composition. This method enhances the three-dimensionality of subjects, often highlighting their features and creating dramatic effects. It has been widely used by artists since the Renaissance, notably by masters like Caravaggio and Leonardo da vinci, to evoke emotion and draw attention to focal points in their works.