Chiaroscuro

The artistic term for "light and dark"-- you italian types will recognise that. It's generally seen in renaissance art, and exhibits a strong transition between light and dark in a painting.

In film, it is a contrast ratio that displays large pools of black. Often used in film noir, it is a very high contrast (low key) lighting style. Chiaroscuro is the opposite (contrast ratio) of no-tan lighting.

Chia`ro*scu"ro (?), Chi*a"ro-os*cu"ro (?), n. [It., clear dark.] (a)

The arrangement of light and dark parts in a work of art, such as a drawing or painting, whether in monochrome or in color.

The art or practice of so arranging the light and dark parts as to produce a harmonious effect.

© Webster 1913.