Alto-relievo

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Greek soldier in Armour

   

Alto-relievo is translated from Italian as high-relief, a technique in Classical antiquity sculpture to reveal human or animal figures that project out from a solid tablet of marble or other material. At least one-half of the figure must be projecting from the surface, often appearing in a standing position.

In the illustration at right, the vertical tablet wall is used as a simple reinforcement for the sculpture, with no detail. Frequently the tablet is carved with decorations or detailed inscriptions.

Historical context

All cultures and periods where large sculptures were created used this technique as one of their sculptural options. Seen in "monumental sculpture" and architecture from ancient times to present.

See also

• Relief
• Bas-relief
• Frieze of Parnassus

Gallery

Egyptian figures in "alto relievo"	Greek figure	Detail from the Elgin Marbles	Classic alto-relievo
Late Roman alto-relievo	Palmyra alto-relievo figure 2nd Cent. C.E.

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