Chiaroscuro, which literally translates from the Italian to "light dark" refers to a drawing or painting that that has I high tonal range ( goes from very light to very dark) see Leonrado's Virgin of the Rocks or - basically -anything by Caravaggio as an example
In Art chiascuro is strong contrasts between light and dark. the word itself comes from the Renaissance for 'drawing on colored paper'.
Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for using both sfumato and chiaroscuro in his paintings. Sfumato, characterized by soft transitions between colors and tones, creates a smoky effect, while chiaroscuro involves strong contrasts between light and shadow to add depth. Da Vinci employed these techniques masterfully in works like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Virgin of the Rocks," enhancing the realism and emotional depth of his subjects.