A form of relief sculpture in which approximately half or more of the natural circumference of the modeled forms projects from the background.
High relief is a form of relief sculpture in which approximately half or more of the natural circumference of the modeled forms projects from the surrounding background. The deep projection allows figures and forms to approach the spatial presence of sculpture in the round while remaining physically connected to a supporting surface.
The French term is haut-relief; the Italian equivalent is altorilievo. High relief is distinguished from bas-relief or low relief by the greater depth of projection and the stronger play of light and shadow across the carved forms.
Etymology
English descriptive term, influenced by French haut-relief: haut, “high,” + relief. Italian: altorilievo.
Sculptor Notes
High relief gives the sculptor considerably more freedom to turn forms, overlap figures, and develop deep undercutting than low relief. The challenge is to preserve a coherent relationship between the projecting forms and the architectural or sculptural ground from which they emerge.
References
https://www.getty.edu/vow/AATFullDisplay?subjectid=300184782; https://www.pierres-info.fr/glossaire/index.html