Definitions of High Relief

The term high relief is used to identify those sculptured figures that stand out from the plane more than half of their volume. The reliefs can be observed on the outside of the monumental buildings, specifically the high relief sculptures are usually visualized in the classical temples in order to tell stories and publicize the most important or relevant events of antiquity.

The relief is a sculptural technique that is carved on a surface so that only the figure is sculpted causing an impression that the figure is embedded. In this sense, there is low relief, medium relief and high relief each characterized by the way in which the depth is reduced to symbolize the third dimension.

In relation to the above, the low relief is characterized in that the figures are completely attached to the bottom, so that they stand out little in relation to the plane, on the other hand, the medium relief figures protrude from the plane half of their bulge.

On the other hand, not to be confused sculptures free forms or bulk round with high relief, as the figures in the round round can be observed from all angles, however, the high relief despite being three – dimensional they lack a back and, it is related to the architecture since they are located in the doors, columns, building entrances, churches, etc.

Some works of high relief are: the struggle of Lápitas and Centauros del Partenón, Tríada de Micerino, the Nubians, etc.

High relief is a technique that can be used in sculpture, painting and even in beauty since women currently request the design of acrylic nails in high relief.