Q Can you tell me about the word “chiaroscuro”? I saw it used to describe a 17th century Italian painting showing a violent scene from the Bible. – M.C., Rome, Ga.

A: “Chiaroscuro” is defined as “the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art.” The word “chiaroscuro” is Italian. “Chiaro” means “clear, light” and “oscuro” means “obscure, dark.”

During the early Renaissance period in Italy, painters began experimenting with effects of light and dark. By highlighting some areas and shading others, the artists found that they could make figures appear to be three-dimensional and to exist in real space. The artist Masaccio (1401-1428) was especially influential as one of the first artists to use chiaroscuro for this effect.

The word “chiaroscuro” is closely associated with the Italian artist Caravaggio (1573-1610). Caravaggio used chiaroscuro like Masaccio and other Renaissance artists to create a sense of three-dimensionality, but he also used light and dark contrasts to heighten the dramatic impact of the scenes he painted.

Caravaggio’s work was very influential, especially on Dutch and Italian Baroque artists who found his style well suited to the dramatic scenes popular during this period.

Q I love the recently renewed interest in angels. I have heard that there are several different types of angels. Can you tell me what they are? – L.J., Redmond, Wash.

A: The types, numbers, names, and characterizations of angels vary from religion to religion and tradition to tradition. We can give you a simple answer to what is potentially a very complex question. You are probably referring to a traditional classification of angels, usually called the celestial hierarchy, which contains nine orders.

They are, ranked from lowest to highest: angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim and seraphim.

Angels, archangels, cherubim and seraphim go back to Judaic tradition. The cherubim and seraphim are mentioned in the Old Testament as being the guardians of the throne of God. In later Judaism, seven archangels are held to lead the countless other hosts of heaven. The archangels are Uriel, Sariel, Remiel or Jeremiel, Raguel, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

The latter three are well-known in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox devotion. Additionally, early Christianity added the five other angelic orders that make up the celestial hierarchy as we’ve described it.

A hierarchy of angels is also developed in Islam. In addition to four archangels (of which Gabriel, or Jibril, and Michael, or Mikal, are two) and cherubim, the Islamic tradition includes in its hierarchy the four throne bearers of Allah and various lesser angels.

This column was prepared by the editors of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.

Readers may send questions to Merriam-Webster’s Wordwatch, P.O. Box 281, 47 Federal St., Springfield, Mass. 01102.

Copy the Story Link