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

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

The Bonwit Teller building included several architecturally significant Art Deco embellishments, including two bas-relief sculptures that Trump offered to donate to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. —Julie Satow, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024

The bas-relief figures at the entrance indicated the type of sports to be seen at the Gardens: boxing, basketball and hockey. —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 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