Final answer:
The chiaroscuro is the term used to describe light and dark areas in a drawing, which create the illusion of volume and depth through the use of a value scale and techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and sfumato.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chiaroscuro is the technique used for depicting the light and dark areas in a drawing to create a sense of volume. This term originates from the Italian words chiaro for "light" and scuro for "dark". Artists achieve this effect by using a range of values, which refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a shape in relation to another. For instance, note Michelangelo's use of hatching and cross-hatching to create different tones and shadows, a technique that provides a three-dimensional effect on a two-dimensional plane. The use of light in this context doesn't refer to actual lighting but the illusion of light created by the artist's manipulation of dark and light shades.
Additionally, the term value is crucial when discussing chiaroscuro, as it involves using a value scale that includes pure white, black, and various shades of grey in between. Artists also may employ the technique of sfumato, which is the blurring of sharp outlines for a smoky effect, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subject.