Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.