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.

Bas ReliefDetail from the Ishtar Gate

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?