Marble Sculptures

Bas Relief Sculptures

The Marble Bas-Relief is a type of bas relief sculpture that was produced in the Roman Empire. It consists of a flat surface, usually marble or limestone, on which are carved figures and other decorative elements. The term “bas-relief” means “low relief sculpture“.

Bas-Relief is an ancient art form that has been used for thousands of years by artists from different countries and cultures. It is closely linked to high relief sculpture. Some of the earliest known bas-reliefs are on the walls of caves, perhaps 30,000 years ago. Petroglyphs—images carved onto the walls of caves or other rock surfaces—were sometimes treated with color, as well, which helped to accentuate the reliefs.

Example of bas relief — Cavalcade. Block II from the west frieze of the Parthenon, ca. 447–433 BC.

Later, bas- reliefs were added to the surface of stone structures built by ancient Egyptians and Assyrian people. You can see similar examples of these types of sculptures in ancient Greek and Roman art. One such famous sculpture is the Parthenon Frieze which features sculptures of Poseidon, Apollon, and Artemis. Some of the most famous bas relief sculptures ever made were created during the ancient times. Examples include the Temple of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Lion Capital of Ashokan Empire in India.

Bas Relief vs High Relief

High relief sculpture stands out from the flat surface to a deeper degree, sometimes “wrapping” around the edges. In contrast, low relief sculpture does not stand out as much and may feature parts that are indented into the flat surface. As you may imagine, the line between these two forms of relief sculpture can be very thin and determining whether a relief sculpture is high relief or low relief can be quite subjective.

Custom Sculptures Made in Vermont

The Fine Art Bas Relief works created by Sculptor M. Julian Isaacson are unique one-of-a-kind works that add a natural beauty inside or outside your home or business. These original works are hand carved by the artist with hammer and chisel in marble. Bas Relief is a two-dimensional technique requiring patience and tenacity. The skill of creating the appearance of 3 dimensions while actually working in 2 dimensions represents years of practice and hard work. The artist uses a direct carving technique. He draws the “cartoon” directly on the stone, then utilizes a variety of tools and chisels to cut in and pull the final work out through cutting away the surface.

As you visit Julian’s personal gallery of Art (see gallery of bas-relief images below) you will see that these works represent the artist’s ideas and concepts. They are all original works and are not available for duplication except in the instance of limited casting; the artists’ system of Fine Art Reproduction, of which the artist holds the rights in reserve. The original pieces will be signed by the artist and delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The artist will also work with you to create originals by Commission that are designed specifically for you or for your home or business application. Sculptor M.Julian Isaacson uses this same technique to develop Portraits that can be reproduced for other family members as gifts or as a Monument & Memorial.

Custom Interior Ideas:

Featured: The Muse

In the works. THE MUSE. Vintage Vermont Marble hand carved with hammer and chisel. This is a local piece of marble, at least 150 years old and very dense allowing a lot of hard won detail. Approximately 3’ by 1 1/2’ by 4”. It represents the impact of a good woman on a man of stature and strength, allowing space for his softer side.

More Bas Relief Examples

Sculptor Julian utilizes both marble and hardwoods to develop his unique bas relief works. The medium often depicts the story that is told in each piece. Marble is more flexible than hardwoods due to the consistency of the grain. Hardwoods are more challenging as the grain changed as the original tree grew and that can impact the direction of the design.

Blind Moses

First, the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, and then later tells Him that he can’t see His face and live. This piece bespokes the message from God.

Bull & Child

Depicts a simpler time when all children of every age worked the farm. The impact is in the juxtaposition of the size of the child versus the bull.

Crossroads

The archangel Michael is reaching out to God as he releases Christs’ body from the cross. The depiction of a son of man to the son of God.

Deer Dance

The dance between man and the wild under the fertile, pregnant trees in the forest where they lived in companionship. (see Deer Dance Bar for original work.) Fine Art Reproductions available.

Praying Hands

Private Collection. The sculptor’s praying hands. Fine Art Reproductions available.

Seadance

A fantasy piece that depicts the playfulness of a graceful mermaid and her ocean bound friends.

The Guardian

The piece depicts Ethan Allen during the Revolutionary War. Whereas the original Marble Sculpture is SOLD, hand painted Fine Art Tile Reproductions are available.