Chiaroscuro woodcut

Description

A woodcut image exhibiting tonal variations for light and shadow prepared by using different types of wood. Developed in the 16th century, the chiaroscuro woodcut technique has been attributed to an Italian printmaker Ugo da Carpi. A key block is initally printed with the darkest tones. Subsequent printings are made with lighter colors using blocks register to the key. The process has been used to make inexpensive imitations of watercolor paintings.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Helldunkelhozschnitt (Deut.)

Additional Images

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Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "chiaroscuro." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 3 Feb. 2005 .

• Luis Nadeau, Encyclopedia of Printing, Photographic, and Photomechanical Processes, Atelier, New Brunswick, 1997

• The Bullfinch Guide to Art History, Shearer West (ed.), Bullfinch Press, Boston, 1996

• B. Gascoigne, How to Identify Prints, Thames & Hudson, London, 2004