Relief
In sculpture a raised image projecting from a flat background. Relief sculpture is that which is not free-standing. According to the prominence of the image, such sculptures are usually classified as high, medium, or low relief. In printmaking relief printing is the oldest technique. Areas are gouged out of a block of wood or other surface, leaving a raised image. Areas cut away will remain blank on the printed paper after the raised surface has been covered in ink and an impression taken. A wide range of materials can be used to make blocks or plates including stone, wood, potatoes and lino (see also woodcut and wood engraving).
Sir Thomas Lovell
after Pietro Torrigiano
early 20th century, based on a work of circa 1518
NPG 1565
Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Royal
attributed to Peter Rouw
circa 1795
NPG 2174
James Thomson
by Unknown artist
after 1748
NPG 4896
Frederick, Duke of York and Albany; King George IV
by Thomas R. Poole
1795
NPG 3308
Richard Howe, 1st Earl Howe
after John De Vaere
based on a work of 1798
NPG 3313
Robert Stewart, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry (Lord Castlereagh)
possibly by David Morison
1822
NPG 4384
Sarah Siddons (née Kemble)
by Thomas Campbell
1843
NPG 642
Jabez Bunting
by William Behnes
1852
NPG 4880
Spencer Horatio Walpole
by Conrad Dressler
1882
NPG 5215
Robert Louis Stevenson
by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1887
NPG 2349
King George VI
by Bertram Park
1930s
NPG x1695
Ted Hughes
by Leonard Baskin
1978
NPG 6259