Why do you think cats were so sacred to the egyptians? why do you think so many of their gods had animal heads?

The reason is they thought that the cat was the animal of the gods.

You do not see contemporary artist using chiaroscuro as much anymore, because it was used at a time when there were only candles and firelight for nighttime illumination. many of the paintings that used chiaroscuro did so to depict people who were around candlelight. this to illuminate their forms and create a dramatic effect. because we have modern electricity and light, the technique isn't seen as frequently in present day art.