Bas Relief

Introduction

The art of carving in stone or wood was mastered by the ancients for the purpose of leaving behind something permanent on this Earth. We will be looking at reliefs from non-western sources. The term non-western means a culture or society not influenced by christianity or is characterized by natives who hold onto traditional art forms. The most common subject matters are myths, battles, royalty, and religous images.

Some examples of non-western Bas Relief: A stylized lion from Bulgaria and a battle scene with Phillp the Arab on his knees and Valerian the Roman Emperor captured by Shahpour I from Iran.

Non-Western Countries and Cultures

• Egypt
• China
• Japan
• Aztec
• Incan
• Aboriginal
• Inuit
• African
  
  Click on map
  to see examples
  

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  Student Project

  Distressed Paper

  Apply a thin ink wash to a piece of watercolor paper. While it is still wet, lightly sprinkle with salt. Let dry and wipe the excess salt off. This will create the visual effect of a stone's surface.

  Rendering

  Find an example of non-western bas relief. Using white and black charcoal pencils, lightly block out the size and shape of the bas relief on the stone paper. Shade the shadow areas of the carving with the black pencil and add the highlights with the white pencil. You may also use a torteillon stump to blend the grey tones. See examples below.