Relief Sculpture

Definition

Relief sculpture is a type of sculpture that projects from a flat background, with the sculpted elements still attached to it. It can be seen from one side only.

Related terms

Bas-relief: A type of relief sculpture where the sculpted elements are only slightly raised from the background.

High relief: A type of relief sculpture where the sculpted elements are deeply carved and stand out prominently from the background.

Sunken relief: A type of relief sculpture where the background is carved away, leaving the sculpted elements recessed into it.