Contraste

/kɑːnˈtrɑːst/ noun

Definition

A Spanish or Italian term for contrast; used in some English historical or artistic contexts to describe the interplay of opposing elements.

Etymology

A Romance language form (Spanish/Italian 'contraste') that has been borrowed into English in specialized art historical and literary contexts, ultimately from Latin 'contra-' plus Old Italian 'stare' (to stand).

Kelly Says

Art historians use 'contraste' when discussing dramatic lighting techniques in Baroque painting—the Spanish painters brought the word north alongside their revolutionary light-and-shadow techniques.

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