relief

//rɪˈliːf//

Nouns
C1

Translation

relief

Definition

Relief is a sculptural technique where the carved elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material, creating a raised design that projects from the surface. In art, relief is categorized by the degree of projection, such as low relief (bas-relief) or high relief, and is commonly used in architecture, coin design, and decorative panels to depict figures or scenes with depth without being fully three-dimensional.

Example

  • The ancient temple walls were adorned with intricate reliefs depicting mythological battles.

  • She studied the low relief on the Roman sarcophagus, noting how the figures barely emerged from the stone.

  • The artist spent months carving the high relief of a lion's head into the marble panel.

  • Modern relief sculptures often play with light and shadow to enhance the illusion of depth.

  • The museum's new exhibit features a collection of bronze reliefs from the Renaissance period.

  • In bas-relief, the design is only slightly raised from the background, creating a subtle effect.

  • The cathedral's doors are covered in detailed relief panels illustrating biblical stories.

  • He admired the delicate floral relief carved into the wooden frame of the mirror.

  • The coin features a portrait of the queen in high relief, making the image stand out clearly.

  • Restorers carefully cleaned the ancient relief to reveal the original details hidden under centuries of grime.

Synonyms

bas-relief
embossing
raised sculpture
carving in relief

Other meanings

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