Chiaroscuro is an art term from the Italian Renaissance which refers to the use of light and shadow in a dramatic fashion to depict a sense of volume and three-dimensionality within a piece of art, be it a painting, drawing, or a print. The term comes from the Italian words “chiaro”, meaning light and “scuro” meaning dark. This technique reached its peak popularity during the 17th century Baroque period wherein it was used by artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and da Vinci. Chiaroscuro was more than just a technique during painting; it was an emotion that was symbolized, drama heightened and a sense of realism was added to art. Caravaggio was known for his impact when it came to this technique, and he achieved a striking light and dark contrast in his paintings. Rembrandt also painted with chiaroscuro and was able to paint intimate and introspective portraits which reflected the human emotions beautifully. Chiaroscuro within art will always have significance as it does not only cap the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but the influence is outward bound in countless more. The allure of these techniques is their capacity to be appreciated by an audience around the world as it visually adds depth, interest, and mood within a piece of art.