Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Relief sculptures are sculptures that are attached to a background and project outwards from it. They have varying degrees of depth, with some parts being more raised than others.
Bas-relief: Bas-relief is a type of relief sculpture where the figures or designs are only slightly raised from the background.
High relief: High relief is a type of relief sculpture where the figures or designs are deeply carved and stand out prominently from the background.
Sunken relief: Sunken relief is a type of relief sculpture where the figures or designs are carved into the surface, rather than projecting outwards. It creates an impression as if they're sunken into the material.