bas-relief

noun

bas-re·​lief ˌbä-ri-ˈlēf 

ˌbas-,

ˌbās-;

ˈbä-ri-ˌlēf,

ˈbas-,

ˈbās-

art : sculptural relief (see relief entry 1 sense 6) in which the projection from the surrounding surface is slight and no part of the modeled form is undercut (see undercut entry 1 sense 2)

also : sculpture executed in bas-relief

a limestone bas-relief of a female figure

Illustration of bas-relief

Did you know?

The best way to understand the meaning of bas-relief is to see one—and the easiest way to do that is to look at a penny, nickel, or other coin and examine the raised images on it; they're all bas-reliefs. English speakers adopted bas-relief from French (where bas means "low" and relief means "raised work") during the mid-1600s; earlier, we borrowed the synonymous basso-relievo from Italian. The French and Italian terms have common ancestors (and, in fact, the French word is likely a translation of the Italian), but English speakers apparently borrowed the two independently. Bas-relief is more prevalent in English today, although the Italian-derived term has not disappeared completely from the language.

Examples of bas-relief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our next stop was the 30-foot plaster bas-relief The Spirit of Transportation, which depicts modes of transit beginning on the far left with oxen pulling a Conestoga wagon and culminating on the right with a child holding an airship—the future in 1895 when it was carved. —Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 12 Dec. 2024

The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Newgarden is the 111th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of theIndianapolis 500 since 1936. —Bruce Martin, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The architects deliberately attempted to differentiate each house: Some had terraces, others would have columns or frescoes or bas-relief figures, and the gates leading to the garden had unique constellations of wrought iron. . —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Aug. 2024

Among Toska’s favorite details is a stunning bas-relief wall depicting tropical flora by local artists The Color Dreamers. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Like the Cincinnati Union Terminal’s centered clock and the inward-facing bas-reliefs flanking the arched building, ornamentation, as well as color, is added harmoniously with the structure. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024

Upon entering the property, guests are greeted by an impressive collection of artworks, including a bas-relief installation by Art Space NYC that highlights iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024

There are glass artworks, sculpted leather wall panels by English artist Helen Amy Murray, and a theatrical staircase with bas-relief fish made from Venetian plaster (pictured) by DKT Artworks. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 4 July 2024

The exterior of the building features bas-reliefs — a kind of stone tableau — of scenes from some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays as well as inset quotes. —Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from bas low + relief raised work

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

bas-relief

noun

bas-re·​lief

ˌbä-ri-ˈlēf,

ˈbä-ri-ˌlēf

: a sculpture in which the design is raised very slightly from the background