or RELIEF, in sculpture, &c. is the projection or standing out of a figure; which arises prominent from the ground or plan on which it is formed; whether that figure be cut with the chisel, moulded, or cast.

There are three kinds or degrees of relievo, viz. alto, basso, and demi relievo. The alto-relievo, called also haut-relief, or high relievo, is when the figure is formed after nature, and projects as much as the life. Basso-relievo, bass-relief, or low relievo, is when the work is raised but a little from the ground, as in medals, and the frontispieces of buildings; and particularly in the histories, festoons, foliages, and other ornaments of friezes. Demi-relievo is when one half of the figure rises from the plan. When, in a basso-relievo, there are parts that stand clear cut, detached from the rest, the work is called a demi-basso.

or RELIEF, in painting, is the degree of boldness with which the figures seem, at a due distance, to stand out from the ground of the painting.