Grisaille

Grisaille is an art technique that uses shades of gray to create a monochromatic image, often mimicking sculpture or relief. Historically, artists utilized it for underpainting or decorative purposes, emphasizing form and depth through tonal variation without color. By focusing on light and shadow, grisaille produces a realistic sense of volume and texture, functioning as a standalone artwork or as a groundwork for later color layers. Its subtle gradations require skillful control of shading, making it a powerful method for conveying mood, detail, and three-dimensionality in art.