How is relief sculpture defined?

Relief sculpture is defined as a type of sculpture that projects from a flat background, creating a three-dimensional effect while still being attached to a surface. This technique allows for intricate details and depth, as the forms extend outward from the background but do not stand independently on their own. Relief sculptures can vary in depth and can be classified as low relief (or bas-relief), where the projection is slight, and high relief, where the figures are more prominently extended from the background. This definition highlights the relationship between the sculpted elements and their supporting plane, distinguishing relief sculpture from other forms like freestanding sculptures, which can be viewed from all sides.