In this video, learn the difference between high, low, and sunken relief in art history. The video looks at examples from ancient Maya art (the sarcophagus lid of Pakal), Chinese Buddhist caves at Longmen, and ancient Egyptian columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, as well as the Ara Pacis in Rome.

See how artists have used depth and texture to shape meaning across cultures. This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Formal techniques in art

• Sculptural techniques

• Language to describe art

• Art History

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 What is relief sculpture?

0:16 Freestanding versus relief sculpture

0:45 High relief sculpture at Fengxian Cave, Longmen, China

1:18 Low relief sculpture on Pakal’s sarcophagus lid

1:40 Sunken relief sculpture at the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak

2:14 Combining different types of relief sculpture: The Ara Pacis in Rome

Learn more

Find out more about Pakal’s tomb and sarcophagus