Relief Sculpture
Relief sculpture - A type of sculpture
in which form projects from a
background.
• We’ll be looking at two types:
• Bas relief – which is low relief. It doesn’t
come off the surface very far.
• High relief – it stands away from the
surface far enough to create a more 3
dimensional look, but isn’t free standing.
Relief sculpture has been around for centuries. It
is one of the earliest forms of expression.
Bas Relief
Cave art
Egyptians used all kinds of
sculpture to depict life.
Bas relief
The Babylonians created relief with
brick, carving the image out.
Detail from the Ishtar Gate
Bas Relief
Greeks and Romans took it to a
new level of detail.
Bas Relief
The Romans liked superrealism.
High Relief
Christianity spread and artists
excelled at religious relief.
High Relief
Even bas relief can create a
dimensionality. Overlapping of
figures creates the effect.
Bas Relief
Painting darker colors in the
background can create a dimensional
quality as well as the carving.
Any subject can create an
interesting composition.
Any material can be used to create
the effect.
There can be a great deal of detail
to emphasize the image.
Composition can create interest.
Added materials can be used as
well.
Images can express and inspire
emotion.
Ghiberti relief work – Italian artist
from the Renaissance period
What will you create to
make a statement of
expression?