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).