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bas-relief

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noun bas-re·lief \ ˌbä-ri-ˈlēf , ˌbas- , ˌbās- ; ˈbä-ri-ˌ , ˈbas- , ˈbās- \

Definition of bas-relief

art :sculptural relief (see 1relief 6) in which the projection from the surrounding surface is slight and no part of the modeled form is undercut (see 1undercut 2); also :sculpture executed in bas-relief
  • a limestone bas-relief of a female figure

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Origin and Etymology of bas-relief

French, from bas low + relief raised work

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

BAS-RELIEF Defined for English Language Learners

bas-relief

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noun

Definition of bas-relief for English Language Learners

  • : a kind of sculpture in which shapes are carved so that they are only slightly higher than the flat background

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  1. See words that rhyme with bas-relief Nglish: Translation of bas-relief for Spanish speakers

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