Basso rilievo, also known as bas-relief, is a type of sculpture where the figures or designs are carved or molded with a shallow depth. The spelling of this word is /ˈbæsəʊ rɪˈliːvəʊ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, pronounced as BAH-soh rih-LEE-voh. 'Basso' comes from the Italian language, meaning low or shallow, whereas 'rilievo' means relief. Therefore, basso rilievo is a term that originated in Italian and is commonly used in the world of art to describe a certain style of sculpting.
Basso rilievo is an Italian art term that translates to "low relief" in English. It refers to a sculptural technique where the figures or forms are carved or molded with a shallow depth, projecting only slightly from the background surface. Basso rilievo is commonly found in various types of artworks such as sculptures, reliefs, and medallions.
In a basso rilievo sculpture, the forms are sculpted in such a way that they remain attached to the background, rather than being fully detached. The level of projection or depth is considerably less than in a high relief sculpture. This technique creates a subtle three-dimensional effect, where the forms are gently modeled and detailed, giving a sense of depth and dimension while maintaining a primarily flat appearance.
Basso rilievo can be seen in various historical art styles and periods, from Ancient Egyptian and Assyrian art to Classical and Renaissance periods. It is often utilized to depict scenes of narrative or symbolic subjects, as well as decorative architectural elements.
The term "basso rilievo" is also used to differentiate this technique from other relief styles, such as alto rilievo (high relief), where the figures project prominently from the background, and mezzo rilievo (medium relief), which falls somewhere in between the low and high relief. Basso rilievo is prized for its subtlety and delicate craftsmanship, allowing artists to create intricate and detailed compositions while maintaining an overall sense of harmony and balance.
The term "basso rilievo" is derived from Italian. "Basso" means "low" or "shallow", and "rilievo" means "relief". In art, "rilievo" refers to the technique of creating a sculptural or pictorial composition with figures, objects, or designs projecting slightly from a flat background. "Basso rilievo" specifically denotes a type of low relief sculpture where the figures or designs barely stand out from the background. The term is commonly used in the field of art history and continues to be used in English to describe this specific sculptural style.